Director, Supplier Quality

Overview

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that uses machine learning to engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and is expanding to support mission-critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector.

Join us to shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

The Director of Supplier Quality leads the development and execution of Divergent’s global supplier quality strategy. This role ensures that all externally sourced components, materials, and services meet stringent quality, reliability, and performance standards—from prototype through full-rate production. You will build and scale supplier quality systems for a high-growth, advanced manufacturing environment while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement across a diverse and evolving supply base.

This is a hands-on leadership role blending strategic quality management, technical engagement with suppliers, cross-functional collaboration, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-growth environment with startup grit and world-class manufacturing discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Strategy, Governance & Operating Model
• Architect and deploy a scalable supplier quality operating system that supports:
• Low-volume, high-complexity builds
• Scalable, repeatable production
• Additive manufacturing infrastructure
• Define supplier segmentation strategy (strategic, critical, developmental, transactional) with differentiated quality engagement models
• Establish quality governance forums (e.g., Supplier Quality Council, cross-functional escalation reviews)
• Develop multi-year roadmap for supplier quality maturity aligned with company growth (prototype → industrialization → scale)
• Own end-to-end supplier quality policies, procedures, and standard work
• Drive digitization of supplier quality processes (QMS tools, real-time dashboards, supplier portals)
• Supplier Selection, Qualification & Industrialization
• Partner with sourcing during RFQ and supplier selection to evaluate technical capability, process maturity, capacity and scalability, and quality system robustness
• Lead supplier risk assessments (technical, operational, geopolitical, financial)
• Define and execute supplier qualification frameworks, including:
• Pre-award audits (process, quality system, manufacturing readiness)
• Capability studies and run-at-rate validations
• Drive industrialization readiness for new suppliers: manufacturing process validation, tooling and fixture qualification, special process validation (heat treatment, additive, composites, machining, etc.)
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Execution
• Own supplier-side APQP execution across all programs and customers
• Ensure robust completion and approval of:
• Design reviews and supplier feasibility commitments
• Process Flow Diagrams aligned to actual manufacturing steps
• PFMEA with high-risk failure modes mitigated prior to SOP
• Control Plans tied to critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics
• Drive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions at appropriate levels
• Validate dimensional results, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and material certifications
• Ensure alignment with engineering specifications and performance requirements
• Establish launch readiness criteria and enforce strict entry/exit gates for suppliers

• Supplier Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
• Define and operationalize supplier scorecards, including: PPM (defects), On-time delivery (OTD), Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), responsiveness and corrective action closure time
• Lead monthly/quarterly business reviews (MBRs/QBRs) with strategic suppliers
• Drive structured supplier improvement programs, including lean manufacturing implementation, Six Sigma projects, yield and throughput optimization
• Develop and deploy supplier development roadmaps for underperforming or strategic partners
• Own escalation process for chronic supplier…