Director, Quality

Job Summary

As a core member of Arrowhead Products’ leadership team, the Director of Quality is a hands-on, operationally focused quality leader. Reporting directly to the CEO & President, this position owns all Quality functions — Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Engineering, Quality Systems/Compliance interface, and Supplier Quality — with a heavy emphasis on factory-floor quality assurance: in-process, incoming, and final inspection; NCMR review and disposition; scrap reduction; supplier quality; and day-to-day production support. The role holder will also assume oversight of the R&O (Repairs & Overhauls) function, with a specific, primary deliverable of driving the R&O business through completion and closing it out in an orderly, customer-safe manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Quality Operations & Factory Floor (Primary Focus)

  • Direct and stabilize the daily activities of the Quality Department, including Quality Engineers and Manager, Supervisors, Inspectors (incoming, in-process, final), Technicians, and the QMS Coordinator.
  • Drive zero-defect-based quality planning and inspection methodologies resulting in measurable reductions in customer complaints, incoming material rejections, and process scrap.
  • Own the NCMR/MRB process: review, disposition support, and rework method decisions in coordination with Engineering and Operations.
  • Ensure customer quality expectations are clearly conveyed from specification through to the shop-floor technician level.
  • Function as chief spokesperson in the formal reporting, tracking, root cause analysis, and response to Customer and Subcontractor complaints; lead effective corrective actions and countermeasures.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS)

  • Maintain Tier 1/Tier 2 working familiarity with AS9100 (Rev D) and related quality management systems as they relate to configuration management, quality planning, and in-process control (Customer, Subcontractor, and In-House); provide common-sense guidance on implementation and conformance.
  • Support audit readiness and interface with the Quality Compliance function (audits, AS9100 matters) as required during the transition.
  • Maintain the accuracy of systems governing the control of Company and Customer-furnished gauging, measurement fixturing, and measurement devices.

• Supplier Quality

  • Maintain systems for selecting, approving, and rating the ongoing performance of subcontractors furnishing production products.
  • Represent Arrowhead in all quality-related matters with suppliers and within the Arrowhead Products / IMC/IMCI Aerospace Group.

• Test Lab Oversight

  • Provide leadership and direction to the Test group, ensuring test operations remain stable, staffed, and compliant during the transition period.

• R&O Function

  • Assume management oversight of the R&O (Repairs & Overhauls) function.
  • Drive the R&O business to completion and full close-out — including orderly wind-down of remaining orders, customer commitments, disposition of associated tooling/equipment, and transition of any retained activity.

• This job description is not all inclusive of all duties. Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in an Engineering discipline required. MS or MBA degree is highly desirable
• Minimum of 10+ years in quality within a low-to-medium volume precision production manufacturing environment (machining and assembly of precision components), with the majority of that time spent in the factory running in-process, incoming, and final inspection operations and supplier quality
• Demonstrated director-level or senior management experience leading quality departments in a manufacturing plant environment
• CQE and/or CQM certification; composite and metallic fabrication experience; prior experience closing out, divesting, or winding down a business unit or product line

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prior direct, hands-on experience establishing and implementing Quality Assurance techniques and controls in welding, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), milling, turning, grinding, honing, broaching, and assembly of electro-mechanical devices
• Thorough working familiarity with GD&T principles for part tolerancing and inspection
• QMS-driven operating style (AS9100); practical, execution-oriented approach over philosophical/strategic quality discourse
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, including presentation to technical and non-technical personnel
• Effective people management skills; ability to communicate with people at all levels of the Company
• Active listener and analytical thinker; solid work ethic
• Working knowledge of Windows-based programs, MS Office Suite, and ERP/MRP systems (BPCS, ERP/MRP II, Minitab, EnGage or related desirable)
• Membership in professional organizations such as ASQ or SME preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly and/or through subordinates, manages and directs the daily activities of the Quality Department, including Quality Engineers and Manager, Supervisors, Inspectors, Technicians, and the QMS Coordinator
• Directly manages the R&O function through the close-out period

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lift up to 35 lbs.
• Push and pull 35 lbs.
• Bend Occasionally
• Sit, Stand, and Walk Frequently
• Talk and Listen Frequently

Special Requirements

The potential for periodic domestic and international travel, as may be or may become required, is understood to be an integral requirement of this assignment.

Limitations and Disclaimer

This job description outlines essential responsibilities but does not represent an exhaustive list. The company may modify duties as needed. The company provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA and applicable state laws.