Leidos
Senior Director, Quality Engineering and Control
Leidos, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45208
Description
Senior Director, Quality Engineering and Control
About Leidos Defense Systems
For over 45 years, Leidos Defense Systems (DSS) has been at the forefront of advanced engineering, manufacturing, and mission assurance. Our cutting-edge technologies fuel success across multiple sectors including Aviation, Shipbuilding, Electronic Warfare, Space Payloads, and Missile Systems. Our commitment to innovation enables us to meet the challenges faced by our demanding customers worldwide.
As we expand our Defense Systems Sector, we recognize that quality transcends mere compliance; it is a crucial competitive advantage. We are on the lookout for a
Senior Director of Quality Engineering and Control (QEC)
who can architect, transform, and elevate our quality mindset across every program, product, and process. Your Mission In the role of
Senior Director, QEC , you will be the pivotal leader in charge of quality within DSS, responsible for crafting and implementing a robust quality strategy sector-wide that guarantees zero-defect delivery, promotes operational excellence, and encourages continuous improvement throughout our multi-site and multi-domain enterprise. This position reports directly to senior Mission Assurance leadership, giving you the authority to influence culture, ensure cross-functional alignment, and establish a scalable quality framework that meets the demands of rapid growth and next-gen capabilities. What You'll Lead Strategic Quality Leadership
Define and own a long-term quality strategy that aligns with corporate and sector objectives. Convince stakeholders of the necessity for robust quality architecture, systems, and standards based on business requirements.
Sector Quality Management
Direct quality assurance, quality engineering, supplier quality, calibration, and continuous improvement efforts across various sites and programs. Champion the deployment and advancement of an integrated Quality Management System (QMS) that meets AS9100, ISO 9001, AS6500, and CMMI certifications. Oversee independent audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as corrective/preventive action procedures.
Cultural & People Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and expand a high-performing quality leadership team across the sector. Instill a culture of prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement in both manufacturing and engineering operations. Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives on issues of risk, compliance, and operational performance.
Operational Impact & Transformation
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, cost of quality, supplier performance, and audit closure timelines. Lead systemic root cause analysis, corrective action, and lessons learned initiatives across programs. Employ Lean, Six Sigma, and digital quality tools to enhance throughput, reduce errors, and expedite delivery times.
Supplier & Value-Chain Excellence
Collaborate with global suppliers to enhance qualification standards, improve first-time quality, and enforce cost-effective compliance. Lead escalations, recovery efforts, and strategic supplier development initiatives.
Basic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with minimum twelve (12) years of progressive leadership experience in quality, mission assurance, or engineering management within aerospace, defense, or similar high-reliability sectors. At least seven (7) years of experience managing large teams or projects. A proven track record of transforming quality organizations and fostering culture change at a significant scale. In-depth expertise in QMS standards, audits, regulatory compliance, and corrective/preventive action frameworks. Experience in managing large, distributed teams and multi-site operations. Demonstrated leadership in scaling organizations for higher volume and efficiency. Experience implementing structured sampling inspection plans or inspection reduction strategies, particularly in machining/mechanical hardware and electronics hardware production. Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven quality management practices. An executive presence with the capability to influence senior leaders, customers, and regulators. Excellent analytical, communication, and storytelling skills—effectively translating quality metrics into tangible business outcomes. Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance and other necessary credentials for accessing government installations. Willingness to relocate to Huntsville, AL or the surrounding North Alabama area. Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office products. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Why Join Leidos DSS Strategic Visibility : Engage regularly with sector and corporate executives. Transformation Mandate : Have the freedom to design and lead cutting-edge quality systems. Enterprise Impact : Your leadership will have a direct influence on delivery outcomes, customer satisfaction, and future contracts. Culture & Team : Construct a high-performing organization that sets the standard for quality excellence. Innovation : Utilize R&D investments and advanced digital tools to redefine how we approach quality in the aerospace and defense sectors. At Leidos, we believe that quality goes beyond assurance—it's about mission assurance. Join us in redefining excellence in our field. Come break things (in a positive way) and then rebuild them smarter. We are the technology company that answers the call when challenges arise. We don't rely on capes (potential safety hazards), but we do tackle high-stakes problems with skill and creativity. Your journey begins here! Pay Range:
Pay Range $134,550.00 - $243,225.00 The Leidos pay range for this role serves as a general guideline only and does not guarantee compensation or salary. Additional factors that contribute to the final offer include responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market data among others.
Senior Director of Quality Engineering and Control (QEC)
who can architect, transform, and elevate our quality mindset across every program, product, and process. Your Mission In the role of
Senior Director, QEC , you will be the pivotal leader in charge of quality within DSS, responsible for crafting and implementing a robust quality strategy sector-wide that guarantees zero-defect delivery, promotes operational excellence, and encourages continuous improvement throughout our multi-site and multi-domain enterprise. This position reports directly to senior Mission Assurance leadership, giving you the authority to influence culture, ensure cross-functional alignment, and establish a scalable quality framework that meets the demands of rapid growth and next-gen capabilities. What You'll Lead Strategic Quality Leadership
Define and own a long-term quality strategy that aligns with corporate and sector objectives. Convince stakeholders of the necessity for robust quality architecture, systems, and standards based on business requirements.
Sector Quality Management
Direct quality assurance, quality engineering, supplier quality, calibration, and continuous improvement efforts across various sites and programs. Champion the deployment and advancement of an integrated Quality Management System (QMS) that meets AS9100, ISO 9001, AS6500, and CMMI certifications. Oversee independent audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as corrective/preventive action procedures.
Cultural & People Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and expand a high-performing quality leadership team across the sector. Instill a culture of prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement in both manufacturing and engineering operations. Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives on issues of risk, compliance, and operational performance.
Operational Impact & Transformation
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, cost of quality, supplier performance, and audit closure timelines. Lead systemic root cause analysis, corrective action, and lessons learned initiatives across programs. Employ Lean, Six Sigma, and digital quality tools to enhance throughput, reduce errors, and expedite delivery times.
Supplier & Value-Chain Excellence
Collaborate with global suppliers to enhance qualification standards, improve first-time quality, and enforce cost-effective compliance. Lead escalations, recovery efforts, and strategic supplier development initiatives.
Basic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with minimum twelve (12) years of progressive leadership experience in quality, mission assurance, or engineering management within aerospace, defense, or similar high-reliability sectors. At least seven (7) years of experience managing large teams or projects. A proven track record of transforming quality organizations and fostering culture change at a significant scale. In-depth expertise in QMS standards, audits, regulatory compliance, and corrective/preventive action frameworks. Experience in managing large, distributed teams and multi-site operations. Demonstrated leadership in scaling organizations for higher volume and efficiency. Experience implementing structured sampling inspection plans or inspection reduction strategies, particularly in machining/mechanical hardware and electronics hardware production. Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven quality management practices. An executive presence with the capability to influence senior leaders, customers, and regulators. Excellent analytical, communication, and storytelling skills—effectively translating quality metrics into tangible business outcomes. Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance and other necessary credentials for accessing government installations. Willingness to relocate to Huntsville, AL or the surrounding North Alabama area. Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office products. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Why Join Leidos DSS Strategic Visibility : Engage regularly with sector and corporate executives. Transformation Mandate : Have the freedom to design and lead cutting-edge quality systems. Enterprise Impact : Your leadership will have a direct influence on delivery outcomes, customer satisfaction, and future contracts. Culture & Team : Construct a high-performing organization that sets the standard for quality excellence. Innovation : Utilize R&D investments and advanced digital tools to redefine how we approach quality in the aerospace and defense sectors. At Leidos, we believe that quality goes beyond assurance—it's about mission assurance. Join us in redefining excellence in our field. Come break things (in a positive way) and then rebuild them smarter. We are the technology company that answers the call when challenges arise. We don't rely on capes (potential safety hazards), but we do tackle high-stakes problems with skill and creativity. Your journey begins here! Pay Range:
Pay Range $134,550.00 - $243,225.00 The Leidos pay range for this role serves as a general guideline only and does not guarantee compensation or salary. Additional factors that contribute to the final offer include responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market data among others.