Zone5tech
Quality Engineering Manager San Luis Obispo, California
Zone5tech, Montgomery, Alabama, United States
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Quality Engineering Manager to lead the Quality Management System (QMS), customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance across the product lifecycle from development to product support in the unmanned aircraft systems field. The role requires a proven quality leader with strong interpersonal skills, urgency, and a continuous improvement mindset. The position collaborates with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams across multiple programs and value streams.
Responsibilities
Maintain our AS9100: D Quality Management System. Develop and implement processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Directly lead and manage the functional quality organization to meet all AS9100: D requirements. Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) within Product Development/New Product Introduction by integrating quality requirements into new design development projects. Manage supply base quality performance across the lifecycle (selection, qualification, management, monitoring, measurement); ensure purchased materials meet requirements and comply with regulations. Establish a zero-defect culture via deployment and continuous improvement efforts. Ensure effectiveness of measurement and monitoring systems to improve business and quality metrics. Develop and implement a quality structure aligned with strategic initiatives; plan, budget, allocate resources, and lead quality functions. Define and train employees on root-cause analysis and problem-solving tools for corrective actions and process improvements. Establish data collection and analysis to predict trends affecting product quality. Analyze and resolve customer complaints and field reliability issues; coordinate failure analysis and drive corrective action, including supplier quality improvements. Analyze data to identify patterns and opportunities for process optimization; supervise quality inspection and provide guidance on quality matters. Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in quality management. Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of quality assurance experience in defense, space electronics, or high-end aerospace; Automotive experience a plus. Experience as a Manufacturing Quality Manager. Strong understanding of QMS and AS9100. Experience with APQP in high-reliability product development. Experience with DCMA, DLA. Experience with electronics manufacturing methods including IPC-610, IPC-620, and IPC J-STD-001. Experience with quality audits (internal and external). Highly organized with attention to detail; strong communication and relationship-building skills. Education/Certification
Bachelor’s degree in engineering (EE, ME, MSc., Chem) from an accredited institution. Ideal Qualifications
APQP tools experience (Process Flow Diagram, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, Process Capability, SPC). AS9100 Auditor experience, Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ certifications (CQM, CQE). Lean and Six Sigma methodologies experience; technical writing skills. Expected Outcomes
Within 3 months: Lead creation and updating of quality control documentation and QMS processes; coach peers on quality duties. Within 6–12 months: Establish as subject matter expert on Zone 5 quality standards and lead company-wide improvement initiatives (e.g., AS9100 certification and QMS implementation). Compensation
Pay range: $150,000 – $170,000 USD What’s in it for you
Comprehensive benefit options (medical, dental, vision, life, etc.). 401k with company match. 4 weeks of paid time off per year. 12 company holidays per year. Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: Cutting-edge technology in defense and aerospace. Collaborative culture: Team of professionals dedicated to pushing boundaries. Career growth: Professional development and advancement opportunities. If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be part of a dynamic and growing company, apply to Zone 5 Technologies. Equal Employment Opportunity: Zone 5 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected status. We participate in E-Verify as required by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Maintain our AS9100: D Quality Management System. Develop and implement processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Directly lead and manage the functional quality organization to meet all AS9100: D requirements. Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) within Product Development/New Product Introduction by integrating quality requirements into new design development projects. Manage supply base quality performance across the lifecycle (selection, qualification, management, monitoring, measurement); ensure purchased materials meet requirements and comply with regulations. Establish a zero-defect culture via deployment and continuous improvement efforts. Ensure effectiveness of measurement and monitoring systems to improve business and quality metrics. Develop and implement a quality structure aligned with strategic initiatives; plan, budget, allocate resources, and lead quality functions. Define and train employees on root-cause analysis and problem-solving tools for corrective actions and process improvements. Establish data collection and analysis to predict trends affecting product quality. Analyze and resolve customer complaints and field reliability issues; coordinate failure analysis and drive corrective action, including supplier quality improvements. Analyze data to identify patterns and opportunities for process optimization; supervise quality inspection and provide guidance on quality matters. Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in quality management. Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of quality assurance experience in defense, space electronics, or high-end aerospace; Automotive experience a plus. Experience as a Manufacturing Quality Manager. Strong understanding of QMS and AS9100. Experience with APQP in high-reliability product development. Experience with DCMA, DLA. Experience with electronics manufacturing methods including IPC-610, IPC-620, and IPC J-STD-001. Experience with quality audits (internal and external). Highly organized with attention to detail; strong communication and relationship-building skills. Education/Certification
Bachelor’s degree in engineering (EE, ME, MSc., Chem) from an accredited institution. Ideal Qualifications
APQP tools experience (Process Flow Diagram, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, Process Capability, SPC). AS9100 Auditor experience, Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ certifications (CQM, CQE). Lean and Six Sigma methodologies experience; technical writing skills. Expected Outcomes
Within 3 months: Lead creation and updating of quality control documentation and QMS processes; coach peers on quality duties. Within 6–12 months: Establish as subject matter expert on Zone 5 quality standards and lead company-wide improvement initiatives (e.g., AS9100 certification and QMS implementation). Compensation
Pay range: $150,000 – $170,000 USD What’s in it for you
Comprehensive benefit options (medical, dental, vision, life, etc.). 401k with company match. 4 weeks of paid time off per year. 12 company holidays per year. Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: Cutting-edge technology in defense and aerospace. Collaborative culture: Team of professionals dedicated to pushing boundaries. Career growth: Professional development and advancement opportunities. If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be part of a dynamic and growing company, apply to Zone 5 Technologies. Equal Employment Opportunity: Zone 5 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected status. We participate in E-Verify as required by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr