Director of Quality

The posting, as Firestorm wrote it

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Quality to join our growing team in San Diego. At Firestorm Labs, we are building the future of distributed, mission-adaptive airpower for the modern warfighter. In your leadership position you will be responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and standards for quality across the entire product lifecycle, from supplier to customer delivery.

You will build and own Firestorm's quality management system, lead the company to AS9100 compliance and certification, and grow the quality team from a small core into Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Inspection functions. You will also scale quality systems to support rapid production growth across our products and sites worldwide, serve as the primary quality interface with defense customers and auditors, and build a culture where quality is owned by every team. In addition, you will report to the VP of Manufacturing while quality processes and systems are being established, and will lead an independent quality organization ahead of AS9100 certification.

What You’ll Do

• Quality strategy and leadership: This is the core of the role. You'll define the quality vision, objectives, and roadmap for Firestorm, and align quality priorities with production ramp, program commitments, and business growth.
• Team building: Lead, hire, and develop the quality organization, including Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Inspection, with clear expectations and a path for growth.
• QMS and AS9100: Own Firestorm's path to AS9100 in its entirety. Build a quality management system that serves all of Firestorm worldwide, reach AS9100 compliance within your first 90 days, and lead the company through certification. This includes document control, internal audits, management review, and certification audits.
• Supplier quality strategy: Set the standards for supplier selection, qualification, audits, and performance monitoring, and ensure suppliers are held accountable through corrective action and scorecards.
• Corrective action system: Own a closed-loop NCMR, MRB, and RCCA process, ensuring root causes are verified and corrective actions are effective before closure.
• Quality by design: Partner with engineering, NPI, and manufacturing to ensure quality is designed in, not inspected in, through APQP, PFMEA, control plans, first article inspection, and ECO implementation.
• Customer and regulatory interface: Serve as the primary quality point of contact for customers, government representatives, and third-party auditors, and ensure compliance with contractual, flow-down, and regulatory agency requirements across our production and flight test locations.
• Metrics and reporting: Define the quality KPIs that matter (DPPM, first pass yield, cost of poor quality, CAR closure), and report performance and risk to executive leadership.
• Measurement systems: Ensure inspection, calibration, and measurement systems (MSA, gage R&R) keep

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&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.

• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Because this position requires a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.