Quality Director, AS9100 & Defense Manufacturing

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Equity grants for new hires

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Unlimited PTO

Generous parental leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

HSA

Job summary

Firestorm Labs in San Diego seeks an experienced Director of Quality to set the vision, strategy, and standards for quality across the product lifecycle, from supplier to customer delivery.

You will build and own the QMS, lead AS9100 compliance and certification, and grow the quality team as the company scales production worldwide. Excellent communication and leadership will be essential to drive continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 20 years of progressive experience in discipline.
• U.S. Person as defined by ITAR regulations, eligible to work in the U.S.
• 15+ years of progressive quality experience in aerospace/defense/manufacturing.
• 5+ years leading quality teams including engineers/inspectors/managers.
• Experience building and implementing an AS9100 or equivalent QMS and certification.
• Experience leading AS9100 certification, audits.
• Experience managing supplier quality programs including audits and SCARs.
• Strong command of RCCA, APQP, FMEA, control plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Excellent communication and executive presence with cross-functional influence.

Responsibilities

• Define the quality vision, objectives, and roadmap aligned with production ramp and growth.
• Lead and develop Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Inspection teams.
• Build a global QMS and guide AS9100 compliance and certification.
• Set supplier quality standards, audits, and performance monitoring.
• Own corrective action systems (RCCA, MRB, 8D) and ensure effective actions.
• Ensure quality by design through APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and ECOs.
• Interface with customers, government, and auditors for compliance.
• Define KPIs (DPPM, first pass yield, cost of poor quality) and report to leaders.
• Manage measurement systems (MSA, gage R&R) for ramped production.
• Drive continuous improvement and culture of quality ownership across functions.
• Lead customer source inspections and regulatory audits.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Skills

Quality leadership

Executive communication

Quality strategy

Audits & compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

RCCA (8D)

APQP

FMEA

Control plans

SPC

MSA

Job description

Firestorm Labs in San Diego seeks an experienced Director of Quality to set the vision, strategy, and standards for quality across the product lifecycle, from supplier to customer delivery.

You will build and own the QMS, lead AS9100 compliance and certification, and grow the quality team as the company scales production worldwide. Excellent communication and leadership will be essential to drive continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.