Director, Quality Assurance (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Director of Quality Assurance serves as the senior quality leader responsible for defining and executing the organization’s quality vision, strategy, and culture. This role is accountable for ensuring world-class product quality, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across all aspects of the business.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Quality Assurance will drive enterprise-wide quality initiatives, influence strategic business decisions, and build scalable systems that support growth, profitability, and operational performance. The successful candidate will be a transformational leader with deep aerospace industry expertise, exceptional business acumen, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams through complex challenges.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term quality strategy aligned with corporate objectives, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as the organization’s quality authority and trusted advisor to executive leadership.

• Champion a culture where quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement are embedded throughout the organization.

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to drive business performance through quality excellence.

• Lead organizational change initiatives that improve product reliability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

• Establish meaningful quality metrics and performance indicators that drive data-based decision making at all levels of the organization.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Provide executive oversight of the Quality Management System and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DoD, customer, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Lead customer, regulatory, certification, and third-party audits while maintaining exceptional compliance performance.

• Ensure effective risk management processes are integrated throughout product development, manufacturing, and supplier management activities.

• Drive proactive quality planning and prevention strategies that minimize defects and operational risk.

Operational Excellence

• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.

• Drive measurable improvements in first-pass yield, cost of quality, supplier performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

• Establish robust root cause and corrective action processes that eliminate recurring issues and strengthen organizational capability.

• Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing performance and scalability.

Customer Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Serve as the point of contact for significant quality issues, customer concerns, and strategic quality initiatives.

• Represent the company during customer reviews, audits, and executive-level quality discussions.

Talent Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality organization capable of supporting current and future business needs.

• Foster leadership development, accountability, and continuous learning throughout the quality function.

• Create succession plans and organizational structures that support sustainable growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects.

• Deep knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO, GxP), and industry standards with ability to ensure organizational compliance and product integrity.

• Strong communication and influence skills to interact effectively with internal leadership, regulatory agencies, auditors, and stakeholders on quality assurance matters.

• Experience leading quality assurance functions including product release, deviation/CAPA management, change control, validation, and audit management.

• Demonstrated experience with risk management, quality investigations, and root cause analysis methodologies.

• Travel: 20–40% as required to support customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and multiple operating locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

• ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certifications.

• Experience supporting OEM, defense, military, or space programs.

• Experience leading multi-site quality organizations.

• Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive cultural transformation

• Experience presenting to executive teams, customers, and regulatory authorities

• Track record building high-performing, cross-functional quality organizations

• Strong business acumen with P&L impact awareness and cost of quality management

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$201,507.00 - $277,072.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.  The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.