Sr. Manager, Quality Management Systems
About The Position
As the QMS Manager at the Rivian-VW Joint Venture, you will be the strategic lead and governance authority of our quality management system. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a "player-coach" mentality that requires rolling up your sleeves. We aren’t just building cars; we are building the future of automotive software. Your goal is to design and implement a lean, agile, and fully compliant QMS that meets ISO 9001 standards while supporting rapid software deployment and hardware integration. You will bridge the gap between "Silicon Valley Speed" and "Automotive Rigor" to enabling excellence at scale. This role is located with a flex working schedule in our Palo Alto, CA office.
Requirements
- 8+ years in Quality Management, with at least 3 years in a high-growth tech environment or a modern automotive player (EV/Autonomous Driving).
- You understand the strictness of ISO 9001 but are fluent in agile methodologies and CI/CD pipelines.
- You can talk to software developers about "Definition of Done" just as easily as you talk to auditors about "Corrective Actions."
- B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Exceptional ability to simplify complex regulatory requirements for a creative, fast-moving audience.
Nice To Haves
- Professional certifications (Six Sigma, Lead Auditor) are a plus.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a digital-first QMS that satisfies ISO 9001 without stifling innovation and speed. You will move away from static manuals toward dynamic, automated process flows.
- Harmonize the quality standards of two automotive giants. You will ensure that the JV’s processes are compatible with both Rivian’s and VW’s ecosystems.
- Collaborate with DevOps and Engineering to integrate CSMS (ISO/SAE 21434) and Functional Safety (ISO 26262) requirements into the core QMS framework, ensuring end-to-end traceability, robust release quality, and data-driven quality metrics across the development lifecycle.
- Lead internal audits that focus on value-add, not just compliance. Use data-driven insights to identify bottlenecks in the development lifecycle.
- Lead the company through its initial and subsequent ISO 9001 certifications, acting as the primary point of contact for external registrars.
- Champion a "Quality-by-Design” mindset across the organization, ensuring that every engineer understands their role in the quality ecosystem.
Benefits
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus
- Eligibility for equity
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
