Senior Director Quality

Senior Director Quality

Location:

San Diego, CA, US, 92127

Job Summary The Senior Quality Director provides executive leadership for quality across multiple sites, ensuring a prevention-focused Quality Management System (QMS), compliant product realization, and a strong culture of continuous improvement. The role also serves as the primary quality interface with customers and auditors while leading quality systems, quality operations, improvement initiatives, and the overall quality team's budget, staffing, and performance.

Job Responsibilities Build and functionally lead a high-performance Quality organization across multiple sites, driving alignment to built-in quality, risk-based decision-making, and continuous improvement. Own, harmonize, and continually improve a multi-site QMS to ensure consistent compliance with AS9100D/ISO 9001, customer contractual requirements, and applicable corporate policies. Establish clear quality governance for product acceptance and systemic risk management, including escalation paths and decision rights across functions.

Lead internal audit programs and lead and support customers, third-party, and government (as applicable) audits; ensure timely, effective closure of audit findings. Ensure disciplined problem solving for nonconformances, escapes, and systemic issues; implement robust CAPA with effectiveness verification. Oversee and standardize site-level processes for nonconforming product control and disposition (e.g., NCR workflow, material review board governance, containment and prevention). Direct quality operations supporting manufacturing and test (incoming, in-process, final inspection/test as applicable) to improve yield, reduce rework/scrap, and prevent escapes.

Own the Supplier Quality function and strategy, including supplier qualification, performance monitoring, audits/surveillance, and supplier corrective actions; lead supplier quality risk assessment and mitigation, and drive cross-functional supplier capability improvement in partnership with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations. Define quality objectives and key quality performance indicators (e.g., escapes, yield, audit findings, CAPA aging, supplier performance, and cost of poor quality such as scrap, rework, returns/field issues), track and communicate performance, and lead data-driven management reviews, including tracking actions to closure.

Ensure quality training, competency models, and role-based qualifications are established and maintained for quality-critical functions. Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for Quality; optimize use of equipment, facilities, and personnel to meet business objectives. Maintain effective internal communication regarding quality performance, compliance status, and improvement priorities; advise VP/GM on risks, trends, and system-wide implications. Perform all duties in compliance with internal policies and applicable regulations, supporting the mission, values, and culture of Leonardo DRS.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field. Minimum 15 years of progressive quality experience in a regulated manufacturing environment; aerospace/defense experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplined quality teams (managers and individual contributors) and influencing cross-functional stakeholders. ASQ CMQ/OE certification desired Strong working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001 requirements and practical implementation in manufacturing and product realization. Proven ability to lead effective corrective action using disciplined problem-solving methods and statistical analysis.

Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, communication, and technical writing skills. U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $/year - $/year.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S. Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.