Director of Quality Assurance

Since our inception in 2004, GEOST has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Northern VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. GEOST is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.As the Director of Quality Assurance, you will be a key member of the enterprise leadership team and report directly to the President. You will lead a team of Quality Managers, Engineers, and Inspectors that deliver innovative electro-optical and infrared sensor payloads to support a variety of government and commercial missions. You will drive cross-functional collaboration to support the needs of the factory and ensure consistent execution to contractual, technical, and business requirements across a complex portfolio of products. You will also have strategic oversight, resulting in continuous improvement while maintaining compliance. Lastly, you will be the face of Quality for internal and external customers, building effective relationships and establishing a pro-active yet service-oriented culture within the Quality team. This is a predominantly onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.Duties and ResponsibilitiesPartner cross-functionally to develop and execute a product assurance strategy that minimizes risk, ensures product compliance, and improves the overall quality, reliability, and cost of delivered product.Drive predictable performance of product quality, on-time delivery, and factory process execution.Provide quality engineering support and expertise to improve product design, minimize inspection, solve production problems, develop product acceptance plans, and take preventative and corrective actions.Lead cross-functional Corrective Action Board (CAB) and drive Root Cause and Corrective Action activities.Leverage key performance indicators to proactively identify trends and drive meaningful action.Implement quality improvement processes to mitigate Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and escapes.Interface and build relationships with government customer representatives to manage factory/product quality related issues and solutions.Engage with Engineering in the deployment of product quality planning tools for new product introductions.Develop a talent pipeline for quality leadership roles and technical expertise within the organization by supporting career development and growth for direct reports and employee population at large.Collaborate with other factories in the LightRidge Solutions family of companies to promote standardization and integration.Required Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge12 years of related work experience.Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, or related technical discipline. A Master’s Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience is also acceptable.Leadership experience in Quality, Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or equivalent environment.Background leading product quality assurance for DOD and Intel Community customers as well as adhering to compliance requirements of said customers.Experience with complex electro-optical assembly, inspection, and test.Strong business acumen and experience with project, risk, and opportunity management.Experience working with internal and external customers.Experience working in an ISO9001/AS9100 Quality system in manufacturing and engineering environments.Experience leading systemic Root Cause and Corrective Action activities along with lessons learned.Experience creating and reviewing processes and procedures for compliance and efficiency.Demonstrated data-driven mindset with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Ability to process and present complex information in a concise and compelling manner.Blend of tactical and strategic leadership skills with ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.Desired Qualifications/Skills/KnowledgeExperience with Manufacturing Execution and Shop Floor Control systems and MRPs.Experience with product quality planning.Advanced Quality Science and Root Cause tool experience (SPC, PFMEA).Certifications in Six Sigma/CORE, Mission Assurance, and/or Lean.

#J-18808-Ljbffr