About the job Quality Assurance Lead - Configuration Management
Position Overview
The CM / QA Lead will establish and maintain enterprise-wide configuration management and quality assurance systems across all programs, ensuring compliance with defense industry standards while providing independent oversight of quality processes. This dual role integrates configuration control with quality management for optimal process efficiency and removes conflicts of interest by providing independent quality oversight across multiple production contracts, UAS programs, and prototype development efforts.
Primary Responsibilities
- Configuration Management
- Establish and implement company-wide CM policies, procedures, and standards across all programs
- Develop and maintain configuration management plans (CMPs) for all active programs including production contracts, UAS systems, and prototype development
- Create and manage configuration baselines for hardware, software, firmware, and documentation Implement change control processes including change request evaluation, approval workflows, and implementation tracking
- Establish configuration identification schemes and naming conventions across all product lines
- Manage configuration status accounting and reporting systems Coordinate configuration control between multiple concurrent programs
- Ensure traceability between requirements, design documents, test procedures,
- and deliverables
Quality Management System
Implement, and maintain quality management system (QMS) in accordance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 standardsEnforce quality policies, procedures, and work instructions for all operational areasCoordinate with Lead Supplier Quality Engineer on supplier quality programs and performanceProvide strategic oversight of supplier quality activities and integration with enterprise QMSConduct internal quality audits and coordinate external certification auditsOversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processesManage customer quality requirements and quality deliverablesMaintain AS9100 certification and ensure continuous complianceEnterprise Quality Oversight & Independent Review
Provide independent quality oversight across all programs including production contracts, UAS division, and prototype developmentEstablish independent review processes to eliminate conflicts of interest in quality oversightConduct quality reviews of program management decisions and technical deliverablesEstablish inspection and test procedures for in-process work and final productsManage measurement and test equipment calibration programsOversee first article inspection (FAI) and production acceptance testing processesCoordinate with manufacturing on process controls and statistical process control implementationManage nonconformance identification, disposition, and corrective action processesEstablish customer notification and quality reporting proceduresProcess Integration & Compliance
Integrate CM and QA processes for maximum efficiency and enterprise-wide complianceConduct configuration audits (functional and physical) and quality system auditsEstablish metrics and reporting systems to track both CM effectiveness and quality performanceInterface with program management to ensure CM / QA processes support program requirements without conflicts of interestSupport proposal activities by developing integrated CM / QA approaches for new business opportunitiesManage regulatory compliance requirements (ITAR, DFARS, customer-specific quality requirements)Ensure compliance with government contracting quality standards (DCMA oversight)Data & Documentation Management
Oversee product data management (PDM) system implementation and maintenanceManage engineering drawing release, revision control, and quality record retention processesEstablish document control procedures for technical publications, specifications, and quality documentationCoordinate with IT on data backup, security, access control, and quality record archival requirementsEnsure document control meets both CM and quality management system requirementsMaintain integrated configuration status accounting and quality metrics reporting systemsStrategic Quality Leadership & Customer Interface
Lead customer-facing quality discussions and quality system presentationsServe as primary quality authority for major customer audits and assessmentsDevelop enterprise quality strategy and long-term quality improvement initiativesCoordinate quality activities between internal programs and supplier quality functionEstablish quality metrics and KPIs for enterprise-wide performance measurementLead quality system improvements and process optimization initiativesInterface with senior customer quality personnel on strategic quality mattersManage quality aspects of business development and proposal activitiesRequired Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related technical field12-18 years combined experience in configuration management and quality management in defense / aerospace industryExperience establishing CM / QA processes in small-to-medium organizationsDemonstrated experience with independent quality oversight and audit functionsBackground in both hardware and software configuration and quality managementExperience with multiple concurrent program management from CM / QA perspectiveDefense Industry Experience
Experience with defense acquisition programs and DoD standards (MIL-STD- 973, DoD-STD-480, AS9100)Knowledge of DCMA oversight requirements and government quality expectationsFamiliarity with ITAR compliance and export control requirementsExperience with defense contractor quality management and government auditsUnderstanding of government contracting quality requirements (FAR / DFARS)Technical Requirements
Knowledge of CM tools (PLM systems, version control software) and QA tools (statistical analysis, measurement systems)Experience with quality management system implementation and maintenanceStrategic quality system design and enterprise-wide process developmentFamiliarity with systems integration and prototype development environmentsUnderstanding of statistical process control and measurement system analysisExperience integrating with specialized quality functions (supplier quality, manufacturing quality)Experience with AS9100 certification and maintenanceCustomer-facing quality leadership and presentation capabilitiesCertifications & Compliance
Professional certifications required :CM : CMMI, INCOSE CSEP, or Configuration Management certification preferred
QA : CQE, CQA, ASQ certifications, or Lead Auditor certification preferredAS9100 Lead Auditor certification strongly preferredActive Secret security clearance preferredKnowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systemsLeadership & Management Skills
Experience managing dual-discipline teams (CM and QA personnel) including coordination with supplier quality functionsStrong audit and compliance management experienceExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills for independent quality assessmentsStrategic thinking and enterprise-wide process development capabilitiesAbility to establish and maintain enterprise-wide processes across multiple programsStrong customer interface and presentation skills for quality leadership rolesExperience with conflict resolution and independent oversight responsibilitiesAbility to provide objective quality assessments without operational biasExperience coordinating with specialized quality functions (supplier quality, manufacturing quality, etc.)Independence & Objectivity
Demonstrated ability to provide independent oversight and objective quality assessmentsExperience establishing segregation of duties for quality oversight functionsStrong ethical foundation for independent quality and configuration managementAbility to escalate quality issues appropriately without operational conflicts of interestExperience managing quality processes independently from program executionPreferred Qualifications
Experience with UAS / drone systems or ground combat platformsPrevious experience in defense contracting environment with multiple concurrent programsMaster's degree in Engineering or Quality ManagementExperience with integrated product teams (IPT) and matrix organizationsBackground in prototype development and production transition quality managementExperience with electrical / mechanical systems integration quality oversightKnowledge of cybersecurity compliance requirements for defense systemsKey Success Metrics
Maintenance of AS9100 certification without major nonconformanceSuccessful completion of customer CM / QA deliverables on scheduleReduction in engineering change cycle time through improved processesDecreased configuration discrepancies during auditsImproved first-pass inspection rates and reduced nonconformance costsCustomer quality rating improvementsSuccessful establishment of independent quality oversight processesImplementation of integrated CM / QA processes across all programsCompensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation of $150,000 annually (15-20% premium over single-discipline positions due to dual role complexity), plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.Security clearance assistance available for qualified candidates.Reporting Structure
Reports directly to COO. Provides functional oversight to embedded CM / QA personnel across all programs while maintaining independence from program execution responsibilities. Coordinates with Lead Supplier Quality Engineer on supplier quality integration and enterprise QMS alignment. Matrix coordination with Program Management Director for resource allocation and planning.