Senior Quality Systems Manager

Position Summary

Blue Ops is building next-generation unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for defense and national security applications. Our products operate in mission-critical environments where reliability is not optional—and failure is unacceptable. As a President-led organization with deep roots in the Hinckley family boat building legacy, we are committed to delivering vessels that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship, performance, and reliability. We are seeking a Senior Quality Systems Manager to design, implement and continually improve world‑class quality systems in our Valdosta boat building operations.

The Senior Quality Systems Manager will take full ownership of product quality processes from production through final delivery to the end user.

• Through extreme process discipline, every vessel delivered meets or exceeds the expectations set during the sales process.
• Field test data and customer feedback are utilized in continuous improvement activities to update and optimize both manufacturing and quality processes

This position reports directly to the Director of Quality Control & Customer Satisfaction.

• Develop and maintain quality control plans, inspection plans, checklists, and acceptance criteria for components, assemblies, and completed USV systems.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training programs related to inspection and product test/verification.
• Oversee in-process inspection activities on the production floor, ensuring manufacturing processes are executed correctly and product conformity is maintained throughout the build process.
• Manage final inspection and product verification test activities to ensure completed systems meet configuration, engineering, and quality requirements prior to shipment or operational use.
• Ensure proper material control processes for nonconforming product, including segregation, identification, and tracking in accordance with AS9100 requirements.
• Support Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) activities by identifying recurring quality issues and verifying the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to evaluate and update PFMEAs based on verification testing and field performance data.
• Monitor and analyze inspection data and quality metrics to identify trends, prevent escapes, and drive improvements in manufacturing quality performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team ensuring high standards of workmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in quality roles in a manufacturing environment, including 3+ years in leadership
• Hands‑on experience with incoming, in‑line, and end‑of‑line quality systems
• Strong process and documentation skills
• Understanding of quality planning and product development lifecycle
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO
  9001, ITAR, and FAA compliance
• Willingness to travel to supplier and contract manufacturing sites
• Familiar with and used various techniques such as 8D, Fishbone diagram, and 5 “why’s”

• FAA Part 107 certification
• Experience in the drone, aerospace, or defense industries
• Certifications such as Six Sigma, CQE, or Lean Manufacturing
• Prior work with government contracts or DoD programs

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off‑hours or weekend work required for emergency…