Quality Assurance Manager

The posting, as Advanced Navigation wrote it

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 Alig

[…]
ss 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.