Quality Manager

Kraken Kinetics; Pinehurst (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO policy

Comprehensive medical coverage

Short and long-term disability coverage

Generous 401(k) retirement plan

Company-paid life insurance

Job summary

Kraken Kinetics, based in Pinehurst, NC, is seeking a Quality Manager to establish and maintain their Quality Management System (QMS) for advanced defense solutions. This role involves managing quality assurance, compliance, and inspection processes while leading audits and corrective actions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of experience in quality management. A competitive salary between $80,000–$115,000 is offered along with generous benefits including comprehensive medical coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality management, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality experience.
• Experience implementing and maintaining formal quality management systems.
• Experience leading audits and quality investigations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and improve the Kraken Kinetics Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead internal audits and support external audits.
• Manage supplier quality requirements and audits.

Skills

Quality management

Quality engineering

Problem-solving

Technical writing

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Technology, or related field

Job description

About Kraken Kinetics

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission‑tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production‑ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

Position Summary

Location: On‑site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility.

The Quality Manager at Kraken Kinetics is responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in support of advanced defense technology development and manufacturing operations.

This role serves as the organization’s lead for quality assurance, quality control, compliance, inspection, calibration oversight, supplier quality, and corrective action activities. The Quality Manager will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining applicable quality certifications, leading internal and external quality audits, governing First Article Inspection (FAI/FAIR), Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs, Material Review Boards (MRB), supplier quality oversight, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.

As Kraken Kinetics continues to grow, the Quality Manager will build and lead the quality organization. During the initial growth phase, this individual will personally execute many of the inspection, compliance, calibration, audit, and corrective action functions that will later transition to dedicated quality personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System

• Establish, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Kraken Kinetics Quality Management System (QMS)
• Develop and maintain quality policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, and quality records
• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain applicable quality certifications and registrations
• Plan, conduct, and manage internal audits and support customer and third‑party audits
• Conduct management reviews and maintain quality performance metrics

Inspection, Testing & Product Acceptance

• Govern First Article Inspection (FAI/FAIR) activities and acceptance processes
• Establish incoming, in‑process, and final inspection requirements
• Develop inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and sampling methodologies
• Oversee and administer Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs
• Review and approve inspection records and product acceptance documentation
• Chair Material Review Boards (MRB) and disposition nonconforming material

Corrective Action & Supplier Quality

• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities
• Conduct root‑cause investigations and corrective action implementation
• Manage supplier quality requirements, evaluations, audits, and corrective actions
• Monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Support customer complaint investigations and resolution activities

Compliance & Calibration Oversight

• Maintain oversight of calibration and metrology systems for measurement and test equipment
• Support management of export‑controlled quality records and compliance documentation
• Maintain quality‑related registrations, certifications, and regulatory records
• Ensure quality records are maintained in accordance with company and customer requirements

Department Leadership

• Build and develop the Kraken Kinetics quality organization
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of quality personnel
• Initially perform the duties of Quality Inspector and Compliance & Calibration Manager until those positions are established and staffed
• Execute inspection, audit, calibration oversight, compliance administration, and corrective action activities as required during the growth phase of the organization
• Provide quality training and guidance across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Programs

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Technology, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered
• 5+ years of quality management, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality experience
• Experience implementing and maintaining formal quality management systems
• Experience leading audits, corrective action programs, and quality investigations
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI), Material Review Boards (MRB), and supplier quality management
• Working knowledge of inspection methods, calibration systems, and technical documentation control
• Strong technical writing, problem‑solving, and organizational skills

Preferred

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar certification
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification
• Experience supporting DoD programs or defense contractors
• Experience with AS9100, AS9102, NAS 410, and NDT programs
• Experience supporting low‑volume, high‑complexity manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with ITAR‑controlled operations and defense industry compliance requirements

Security Requirement

US Citizen

Security Statement: US Citizen. This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration.

Salary & Benefits

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full‑time, on‑site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $80,000–$115,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy
• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company‑paid for employee + dependents)
• Vision & dental (100% company‑paid)
• Short and long‑term disability coverage (100% company‑paid)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Great teammates and well‑stocked snacks

Life in Moore County, NC (Pinehurst Area)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh‑Durham.

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or put down long‑term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.