Senior QMS Specialist

Skydio Inc.; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Skydio Inc. in Hayward, California, is looking for a Quality Compliance Specialist to ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and manage the organization's Quality Management System (QMS). This role requires strong experience with AS9100D certification and a thorough understanding of QMS principles.

The ideal candidate will focus on compliance management, audit preparation, and continuous quality improvement. Compensation ranges from $147,000 to $210,000 annually, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and 401K plans.

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of experience in quality assurance/compliance within aerospace or defense industries.
• Lead and support internal, external, and certification audits, including preparation and follow-up.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on AS9100D clauses and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with AS9100D and other applicable standards.
• Monitor and report on key quality metrics (KPIs) and compliance performance.
• Participate in risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Experience in quality assurance/compliance

Understanding of QMS principles

Hands-on with AS9100D certification

Ability to conduct audits

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Quality management software

Job description

Hayward, California, United States - Full‑time

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best‑in‑class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

About the Role

The Quality Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) complies with AS9100D, AQAP 2110 & 23120, and ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 EHS standards and applicable regulatory, customer, and internal requirements. This role plays a critical part in maintaining certification, supporting audits, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring product and process compliance within aerospace and defense environments.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Protecting certification and revenue by maintaining AS9100D compliance.

Ensures the company remains eligible to win and retain aerospace and defense contracts.

Reducing risk and cost of poor quality through effective corrective actions and robust processes minimizes defects, rework, escapes, and potential regulatory penalties.

Strengthening audit readiness and outcomes with proactive compliance management leads to smoother audits, fewer findings, and stronger relationships with customers and certification bodies.

Improving operational performance and embedding quality into processes enhances efficiency, consistency, and product reliability across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Building a culture of quality and accountability through training and cross‑functional collaboration, this role elevates awareness and ownership of quality at all levels of the organization.

Enhancing customer confidence and satisfaction delivering compliant, high‑reliability products reinforces the company’s reputation and supports long‑term partnerships.

What Makes You a Good Fit

3–7+ years of experience in quality assurance/compliance within aerospace or defense industries.

Hands‑on experience with AS9100D certification and audits.

Strong understanding of QMS principles and regulatory requirements.

Maintain and continuously improve the AS9100D‑compliant QMS.

Ensure compliance with applicable standards, including AS9100D, ISO 9001, AQAP 2110 and 23120 customer‑specific requirements.

Lead and support internal, external, and certification audits, including preparation, execution, and follow‑up.

Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on AS9100D clauses and requirements.

Develop, review, and control quality documentation (procedures, work instructions, records).

Manage Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) processes, including root cause analysis and effectiveness verification.

Monitor and report on key quality metrics (KPIs) and compliance performance.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain) to ensure compliance across operations.

Support supplier quality activities, including audits, evaluations, and corrective actions.

Conduct training sessions on QMS processes and AS9100D requirements.

Ensure proper control of nonconforming products, including disposition and documentation.

Participate in risk management and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and quality management software.

Knowledge of FAA, EASA, or DoD regulatory environments.

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Compensation

At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full‑time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $147 - $210k. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long‑term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full‑time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company’s success. Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti‑discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e‑verify.gov/.