Director, Quality

ZRG Careers; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ZRG Careers is seeking a Director of Quality in Philadelphia, PA for an on-site role. This leadership position oversees the quality function, drives continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and government regulations across manufacturing operations.

The role emphasizes strategic direction, stakeholder communication, and CAPA-driven problem solving. The Director will collaborate with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Operations to meet objectives, lead audits,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• ASQ Certifications preferred: Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence, Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Auditor.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in Quality within a regulated manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or defense.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government contracting activities, including FAR, DFARS, and DCMA requirements.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, 5S/6S, and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality plans, standards, and systems coordinating quality activities such as non-conformance, supplier quality, program quality, incoming/final inspection, and DCMA coordination.
• Establish the strategic direction of the Quality organization, including capability, succession planning, and long-term improvement initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement within Quality, including training, work practices, and processes.
• Build and maintain the QMS framework and strategy aligned with leadership and business objectives.
• Establish and monitor quality metrics to evaluate system effectiveness.
• Lead product quality investigations and implement containment and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Operations to improve performance and resolve quality issues.
• Lead and support audits with customers, regulators, and third parties and track recommendations for improvements.
• Maintain and improve the QMS to comply with AS9100, ISO 9001, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop relationships with customer technical and quality reps and support contractual reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Quality management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA is preferred

ASQ Certifications preferred: Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence, Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Auditor

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Inventory management software

Job description

Location is Philadelphia, PA - On-site Only

Relocation offered if needed

Aerospace or Defense background Preferred

The Director, Quality provides strategic insight and management over the quality function. This position ensures all facets of the business and operational systems/processes adhere to internal and external Quality requirements, as well as regulatory and agency requirements. This leader will possess a strong business and technical acumen, while maintaining the ability to interpret stakeholder needs and effectively communicate across all levels of the organization. The Director, Quality will promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring a commitment to quality, safety, excellence, and innovation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement quality plans, standards, and systems while coordinating quality activities, including the non-conformance process, Supplier Quality and Development, Program Quality support, Incoming Inspection, Final Inspection, and DCMA coordination
• Establish the strategic direction of the Quality organization, including organizational capability, succession planning, and long-term quality improvement initiatives
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the Quality function, including improvements to training, work practices, and quality processes
• Build and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) framework and strategy aligned with leadership vision and business objectives
• Establish and monitor quality metrics (e.g., process capability, Pareto analysis, defect trends, and quality performance indicators) to evaluate system effectiveness
• Contributes to the creation and implementation of best practice manufacturing vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to aid and improve operational & quality performance
• Lead product quality investigations, identifying exposure/impact, defining containment strategies, and implementing permanent control measures
• Assess product designs and technical documentation to ensure alignment with manufacturing capabilities and quality requirements
• Champion the development and sustainment of the CAPA system, deploying structured problem solving to identify root cause and corrective/preventative actions
• Collaborate with Engineering, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Operations to meet operational objectives. Identify, plan, and lead activity to improve performance and resolve quality issues.
• Lead and support customer, regulatory, internal, and third‑party quality audits. Maintain, evaluate, and track recommendations for quality system improvement
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System to ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, government, customer, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Establish solid relationships with customer technical and quality representatives, support discussions on quality performance with customer program representatives, and assist in fulfilling Quality‑related contractual reporting requirements

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and the Company’s Operational Framework
• Ensure the Group ethos of all employees going home safely at the end of their working day is adhered to
• Promote a high standard of ethical behavior and adherence to the Group’s core values, and promote a culture of honesty and integrity across ASC
• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Special projects and additional duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Typically, will manage supervisors and individual contributors of various functions under purview

Requirements

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field
• Master’s degree or MBA is preferred
• ASQ Certifications preferred: Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence, Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Auditor

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in Quality within a regulated manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace or defense
• Experience supporting U.S. Government contracting activities, including FAR, DFARS, and DCMA requirements
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, 5S/6S, and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance
• Experience developing, monitoring, and reporting key quality performance metrics and organizational KPIs

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be eligible to obtain and/or maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance commensurate with the level of facility clearance
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, influencing, and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to apply sound judgment, initiative, and creativity to complex technical challenges
• Proven ability to develop quality systems and procedures supporting new products from prototype through full-rate production
• Ability to develop reports, business correspondence, technical documentation, and quality procedures
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, testing, and Q/A principles
• Strong decision-making skills and a results‑driven approach
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and inventory/warehouse management software

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 10 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting and walking or standing in the manufacturing area for brief periods of time. Use of computer.