Quality Program Manager

Cayuse Holdings; Socorro (NM); On-site; USD 165,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Wellness Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

401(k) Retirement Savings with match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Cayuse Holdings seeks a Quality Program Manager to lead the Quality Management Program across contracts, ensuring compliance with performance standards and directing audits, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role focuses on surveillance, data-driven improvements, and coordination with site quality points to maintain integrity and efficiency in deliverables in a challenging remote work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in quality, engineering, business administration, operations, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 8+ years in quality assurance, compliance, or technical ops; 3+ years leading a quality program on Federal/defense contract.
• Proven expertise in audit planning, quality metrics, PWS/AQL interpretation, root-cause analysis, data analysis, and customer reporting.
• Top Secret/SCI Clearance is required.
• Background checks may be required at any time during employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain the Quality Management Program aligned with goals, standards, and contract requirements.
• Design, maintain, and execute a robust surveillance schedule and lead internal audits.
• Prepare and deliver Monthly Quality Status Reports with metrics and analysis for stakeholders.
• Evaluate compliance with PWS standards, AQLs, and contractual obligations.
• Oversee root-cause analyses, corrective/preventive actions, and trend analyses.
• Coordinate with site quality focal points for program consistency.
• Ensure independent execution of quality functions and coverage of critical areas.
• Support cross-training and coverage of quality functions.

Skills

Audits & surveillance

Quality metrics

PWS/AQL interpretation

Root-cause analysis

Data analysis

Customer reporting

Team leadership

Communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in quality, engineering, business administration, operations, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Audit software

Job description

Overview

Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client.

The Work

The Quality Program Manager to lead and oversee the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our Quality Management Program. This role will play a critical part in ensuring compliance with performance standards and contractual requirements, performing exhaustive analyses, and driving initiatives to enhance quality and operational efficiency.

This position aligns with Cayuse's core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Quality Programs:
  • Develop, implement, and sustain the Quality Management Program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, industry standards, and contract requirements.
  • Create and maintain the Quality Program Plan (QPP) to ensure alignment with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and related quality standards.
• Quality Assessments and Reporting:
  • Design, maintain, and execute a robust surveillance schedule and lead comprehensive internal audits, ensuring thorough coverage of processes and deliverables.
  • Prepare and deliver Monthly Quality Status Reports, presenting detailed metrics and analysis for internal and external stakeholders, including Federal or defense contracting entities.
• Performance Measurement and Monitoring:
  • Evaluate compliance with Performance Work Statement (PWS) standards, Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs), deliverables, staffing commitments, and overall performance objectives.
  • Monitor and leverage performance data to ensure contractual obligations and operational goals exceed expectations.
• Root-Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
  • Oversee and lead root-cause analyses, corrective action plans, preventive action measures, and trend analyses.
  • Verify closure of identified issues and track measurable progress through structured processes to ensure sustained improvement.
• Coordinate closely with site quality focal points to facilitate program consistency and quality execution.
• Ensure independent execution of quality functions, maintaining a clear boundary of responsibilities to avoid conflicts of interest when site data support is provided.
• Support team cross-training efforts and ensure seamless coverage of critical quality functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.

• Bachelor’s degree in quality, engineering, business administration, operations, or a related field (equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in quality assurance, compliance, or technical operations, with at least 3+ years leading a quality program on a Federal or defense contract.
• Proven expertise in audit planning, quality metrics development, PWS/AQL interpretation, root-cause analysis, data analysis, and customer reporting.
• Top Secret/ SCI Clearance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong analytical capabilities for interpreting data, identifying trends, and developing actionable insights.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal or defense contracting requirements, specifically contract performance standards and acceptable quality levels (AQLs).
• Proficient in surveillance and audit planning, with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of industry-recognized quality certifications such as:
  • ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CQM/OE).
  • Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.
  • Lean Six Sigma (any belt level) or comparable quality credentials.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Remote desert and range environment with limited immediate services and facilities.
• Exposure to extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures during the day, cold temperatures at night, wind, dust storms, and other weather-related challenges.
• Working in operational and technical spaces such as equipment rooms and maintenance areas.
• Use of stairs and ladders is often required to access certain areas of the site or equipment.
• Operating in confined spaces with strict adherence to safety protocols.
• 24/7 operational readiness, with an expectation of occasional after-hours support for incidents, exercises, deadlines, and travel obligations.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range

USD $165,000.00 - USD $198,000.00 /Yr.