Quality Assurance Manager

Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics. 

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

Overview of Position:

Advanced Navigation has established Advanced Navigation America to stand up the manufacturing of advanced navigation sensors and systems in the United States. We are currently seeking an experienced and strategic Quality Assurance Manager for our Huntsville, AL facility.

In this critical operational role, you will be responsible for standing up, leading, and maintaining a robust Quality Assurance department that works in parallel with manufacturing operations. You will develop and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with U.S. aerospace and defense standards, including ISO-9001, AS9100, and applicable DoD and regulatory requirements. This role ensures that all components, products, processes, and systems meet stringent customer, regulatory, and contractual obligations while driving continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across design, manufacturing, and supply chain functions.

Essential Functions:

·       QMS Implementation & Governance: Stand up, maintain, and continuously improve an ISO-9001 and AS9100-compliant Quality Management System (QMS), including leading the organization through initial AS9100 certification.

·       Compliance & Configuration Management: Maintain a configuration management system that complies with U.S. aerospace and defense regulations, including ITAR, EAR, export controls, and DoD contractual requirements.

·       Audit Leadership: Lead and manage internal and external audits, including AS9100, ISO-9001, customer, vendor, and regulatory compliance audits.

·       Root Cause & CAPA Management: Develop, execute, and govern structured Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes, driving root-cause analysis using methodologies such as 5 Whys, FMEA, Fishbone, and Six Sigma.

·       Product Lifecycle Quality: Integrate quality assurance standards into all phases of the product lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, electronics assembly, and testing.

·       Supplier Quality Governance: Direct supplier quality management programs, including vendor qualifications, capability audits, performance monitoring, and Vendor Scorecard reporting.

·       Metrics & Reporting: Establish, track, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics, delivering regular QMS effectiveness reports to senior leadership.

·       Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to resolve quality non-conformances and maintain seamless operational flow.

·       Metrology & Standards: Maintain oversight of metrology, calibration standards, and adherence to industry assembly specifications (IPC-610, IPC-620, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, MIL-STD).

Leadership Responsibilities:

This position operates as the primary quality authority for the U.S. operations footprint, providing direct supervisory oversight, technical mentorship, and performance management for the Quality Assurance organization.

• Direct Reports: Directs a growing team of quality personnel. Approximately 2–5 direct reports.
• Indirect Leadership: Serves as the key quality partner to manufacturing operations managers, production engineering leads, supply chain directors, and executive leadership.

Key Measurables

·       AS9100 Audit results and successful certification maintenance

·       Quality metrics performance and reporting to Executive Management

·       QMS effectiveness, CAPA closure rates, and continuous improvement metrics

·       Vendor Scorecard reporting and supplier defect reduction

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

·       Citizenship & Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. federal Secret Security Clearance to support ITAR/EAR defense manufacturing. Must be eligible to work with export-controlled technology.

·       Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field.

·       Experience: 10+ years of progressive quality assurance experience in the aerospace or defense industry, with direct experience in electronics assemblies.

·       Standard Expertise: Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR regulations, and defense compliance requirements.

·       Industry Specifics: Hands-on experience with IPC-610, IPC-620, J-STD-001, and IPC-7711/7721 electronics assembly standards, as well as applicable MIL-STDs.

·       Audit & Supplier Leadership: Proven experience leading regulatory/customer audits and overseeing supplier quality management programs.

·       Travel: Valid Passport; willingness for occasional international and domestic travel as required.

·       Technical Literacy: Demonstrated expertise in Metrology, Calibration standards, and structured root-cause methodologies (5 Whys, FMEA, Six Sigma).

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Advanced Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Six Sigma Black Belt.

·       Defense Programs: Prior experience working directly on DoD programs or defense prime contracts..

·       Lean Methodologies: Advanced proficiency in Lean manufacturing, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and FMEA deployment.

·       Systems Literacy: Proficiency with ERP/MRP manufacturing modules, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, and quality data platforms.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·       Quality Governance: Comprehensive knowledge of setting up QA systems within high-reliability electronic and mechatronic manufacturing environments.

·       Workforce Enablement: Demonstrated ability to build, coach, and elevate a high-performing technical quality team.

·       Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present detailed quality metrics, lead audit openings/closings, and liaise with global partners and regulatory authorities.

Physical Demands:

·       Communication: Must be able to frequently communicate verbally and in writing with internal teams, auditors, suppliers, and technicians; must be able to exchange precise technical quality requirements in active factory environments.

·       Stationary Position & Movement: Regularly operates quality diagnostic equipment, workstations, and inspection tools. Frequently moves across production floors, cleanrooms, and warehouse facilities to inspect processes and conduct audits.

·       Manual Dexterity & Precision: Frequently uses precision measurement instruments (calipers, micrometers, optical comparators) to inspect micro-electronics and mechanical assemblies.

·       Lifting: Must be able to occasionally lift and move test fixtures, inspection equipment, or product components weighing up to 35 pounds.

Work Environment:

·       Operates across office spaces, hardware labs, cleanrooms, and active electronic assembly areas.

·       Routine exposure to active manufacturing environments, electronic testing setups, and thermal/environmental test chambers.

·       Workspace requires strict compliance with ESD protocols, safety eyewear, and regulatory safety boundaries.

·       The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Benefits & Perks:

·       Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to support you and your family's well-being.

·       Retirement Planning: Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a competitive company matching contribution up to 7%.

·       Continuous Learning: Professional development allowance and budget allocations to support continuous security certifications, licensing, and education.

·       Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays to ensure you rest and recharge.

EEO Statement:

Advanced Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Reasonable Accommodation:

It is Advanced Navigations business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

Disclaimer:

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract and does not alter the at-will status of the employment relationship. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.