Director of Quality

Altek

Altek

Quality Assurance

Liberty Lake, WA, USA

Posted on May 7, 2026

Job Title: Director of Quality

Shift: Day

Dept.: Administration

Type: Salary

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Class: Indirect

The duties are not limited to this list. Any additional requirements, changes, or deletions will be at the discretion of the COO. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility and duty satisfactorily.

Summary: The Director of Quality is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving the company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, medical, and customer-specific requirements. This role serves as the Management Representative for the QMS and is accountable for ensuring that all processes are established, implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.

The Director of Quality reports on QMS performance to executive leadership, drives risk-based thinking, and promotes a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. This position formulates and implements quality strategies, policies, and objectives that enhance product integrity, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability, while ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to industry standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Leads, directs, and manages the Quality department to ensure effective execution of all quality functions across the organization
  • Owns and maintains the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and customer-specific requirements
  • Serves as the primary liaison with customers, regulatory agencies, and certification bodies regarding quality-related matters
  • Leads all internal, customer, and third-party audits; ensures timely closure of findings and effectiveness of corrective actions
  • Drives a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across all departments
  • Establishes and monitors key quality performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap, rework, cost of poor quality (COPQ), first-pass yield, and customer PPM
  • Leads root cause analysis and ensures effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
  • Oversees the nonconforming material process, including Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition decisions
  • Ensures compliance with product safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements, including ITAR/EAR where applicable
  • Leads risk management activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, and risk mitigation strategies across manufacturing processes
  • Coordinates and approves First Article Inspections in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9102)
  • Oversees inspection and metrology functions, including calibration systems and advanced inspection technologies (e.g., CMM)
  • Ensures validation and control of special processes and critical manufacturing operations
  • Develops and manages supplier quality programs including supplier qualification, audits, scorecards, and corrective actions
  • Partners with Supply Chain and Operations to improve supplier performance and incoming quality
  • Supports new product introduction and program launches, ensuring all quality requirements are defined, communicated, and achieved
  • Leads contract review process to ensure quality and regulatory requirements are clearly understood and implemented
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies
  • Leverages ERP, MES, and QMS systems to monitor, analyze, and improve quality performance
  • Identifies, communicates, and drives implementation of capital investments and improvement projects related to quality and inspection capabilities
  • Provides leadership in employee development through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning
  • Establishes departmental goals, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and ensures accountability for results
  • Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to resolve quality issues and improve overall operational performance
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards
  • Promotes a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across the organization
  • Participates in executive-level planning and contributes to strategic initiatives impacting the business
  • Creates an environment of mutual trust and respect with direct reports, peers, and cross-functional teams
  • Embraces Altek's Quality Policy to ensure quality to internal and external customers
  • Embraces Altek's vision, core values, and expected behaviors

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing quality, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated industries
  • Strong working knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and/or ISO 13485
  • ASQ certifications (CQE, CMQ/OE, CQA) preferred
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
  • Lead Auditor certification (AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485) preferred
  • Deep understanding of precision machining, injection molding, assembly, and design for manufacturing (DFM)
  • Strong knowledge of GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and advanced quality tools
  • Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102), PPAP/APQP, and risk management tools (FMEA, Control Plans)
  • Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations and compliance requirements
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive cultural change toward quality ownership
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Experience with ERP, MES, and QMS software systems and data analysis tools
  • Strong project and program management capabilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
See more open positions at Altek