Quality Manager

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a Quality Manager, you will lead the quality function for an AS9100-certified defense manufacturing operation, ensuring compliance with customer, contractual, regulatory, and business requirements. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on engagement across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program teams to drive product quality, mission reliability, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Owns, maintains, and continuously improves the Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100)-certified Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensures compliance with customer quality requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
• Leads internal audits, management reviews, corrective actions, and document control activities.
• Serves as the primary interface for customer, government, and third-party audits.
• Ensures quality is integrated throughout the product lifecycle, including design, development, manufacturing, testing, delivery, and sustainment.
• Partners with engineering teams on design reviews, risk management, configuration control, and change management activities.
• Oversees First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102, nonconformance management, material review board (MRB) activities, and corrective actions.
• Collaborates with manufacturing teams to ensure process control, inspection effectiveness, and production readiness.
• Manages supplier quality activities, including requirements flow-down, supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and corrective actions.
• Mitigates supplier quality risks to ensure purchased materials meet technical and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Eight or more years of quality experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience owning an AS9100-certified Quality Management System (QMS), including audit leadership.
• Experience supporting both design and manufacturing activities in a defense environment.
• Ability and willingness to be hands-on in a small-company environment.
• Strong communication skills with executives, engineers, and technicians.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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