Head of Quality

iCOMAT; Gloucester Point (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock options

Career growth

Innovation culture

Global impact

Job summary

iCOMAT is seeking an Head of Quality to own quality across the business, ensuring AS9100 and audit readiness as we scale European and US operations. Based at Factory 1 in Gloucester, you will lead the quality function for aerospace components, manage CAPA, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and supplier networks.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering, drive SCRAP/REWORK/Yield metrics, and prepare for multi-site certifications while maintaining a culture of

Qualifications

• AS9100 is the number one requirement: hands-on experience implementing, maintaining and leading an AS9100 QMS with audits
• 5+ years in aerospace quality, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or related field, or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and aerospace regulatory requirements (CAA/EASA)
• Understanding of industrialisation requirements (FAIR, APQP, PPAP)
• Experience with root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Proven ability to lead audits and manage corrective action systems
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
• Proactive and resilient mindset with a can-do attitude

Responsibilities

• Own the Quality Management System end to end, ensuring AS9100 compliance and audit readiness
• Oversee inspection, testing and release of aerospace components and assemblies
• Lead quality planning for new programmes through FAIR, APQP and PPAP
• Set supplier quality requirements, run supplier audits and drive corrective actions
• Build and mentor quality capability across the business
• Act as primary quality contact for customers, regulators and certification bodies

Skills

AS9100 expertise

Aerospace QA leadership

Audit leadership

CAPA root-cause

ISO 9001 knowledge

Regulatory liaison

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Job description

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!

iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.

The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

As Head of Quality you will own quality across iCOMAT: the systems, the standards and the culture behind every part we ship. AS9100 sits at the heart of this role. You will own our AS9100 certification and keep us audit-ready as we scale, building the quality function that delivers defect-free aerospace components from a single UK factory today to multi-site operations across Europe and the US. The role is based at Factory 1 in Gloucester and reports to the Director of Global Manufacturing Operations.

What will you be doing?

Quality Management System (AS9100)

Owning the Quality Management System end to end: developing, implementing and maintaining it in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001 and applicable regulations. You will lead internal audits and management reviews, front external audits from customers, registrars and regulatory agencies, and keep procedures, work instructions and records in a state you would happily show any auditor, on any day.

Manufacturing & Product Quality

Overseeing inspection, testing and release of aerospace components and assemblies. You will control nonconforming material, drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) built on real root cause analysis, and partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to resolve issues and improve process capability. Scrap, rework, yield and customer escapes are your scoreboard, and you will keep it moving in the right direction.

Industrialisation

Leading quality planning for new programmes through FAIR, APQP and PPAP, so every new part enters production with quality built in rather than inspected in.

Supplier Quality

Setting supplier quality requirements and performance metrics, running supplier audits and evaluations, and following corrective actions through to closure. You will work with Purchasing and Supply Chain to keep suppliers compliant and risk under control.

Leadership & Team

Building and mentoring quality capability across the business: inspectors, engineers, shop floor personnel and management. You will set a culture of quality, accountability and continuous improvement, and train the team on the standards, procedures and regulatory requirements that keep us certified.

Customer & Regulatory Interface

Acting as the primary quality contact for customers, regulatory agencies and certification bodies. You will support customer audits and quality reviews, and close out complaints, returns and corrective actions with responses that are timely and effective.

What do we need from you?

• AS9100 is the number one requirement: deep, hands-on experience implementing, maintaining and leading an AS9100 Quality Management System, including certification and surveillance audits
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is essential: 5+ years in quality, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or a related technical field, or equivalent working experience
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and aerospace regulatory requirements, experience with the CAA and EASA
• Strong understanding of industrialisation requirements (FAIR, APQP, PPAP)
• Experience with root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Proven ability to lead audits and manage corrective action systems
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
• Proactive and resilient mindset with a “can do” attitude

Nice to have

• Composites manufacturing experience
• Exposure to Nadcap and OEM customer-specific quality requirements
• Experience taking a site through AS9100 certification in a fast-growing business
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 for our automotive work

Working conditions

• Manufacturing and office environment, based at Factory 1 in Gloucester
• Occasional travel to suppliers, customers and audit locations
• Flexibility to work extended hours when production or audits need it

Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence

• Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
• Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
• Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.Ready to be part of something big?