Director of Quality & Operational Excellence

About the role

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. Attollo Engineering is a designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge infrared cameras and laser sensor systems for defense and industrial applications. Leveraging extensive expertise in the electro-optical market, systems design, and packaging, Attollo delivers superior solutions for system integrators, original equipment manufacturers, and custom applications. Their commitment to quality engineering empowers Safran DSI to provide innovative and reliable technology to its partners.

Responsibilities

• QMS Ownership & Operational Strategy: Oversee, maintain, and continuously improve the company’s AS9100 quality management system, metrics, and procedural documentation to support business growth and scale systems efficiently.
• Process Optimization & Waste Elimination: Look at quality through the lens of operational excellence to optimize manufacturing throughput and remove unnecessary operational friction across our specialized production workflows.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Partner directly with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Procurement to resolve issues using systemic Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies like the 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams. Focus solutions on fixing system "glitches" rather than placing blame on individuals.
• Hands-on Execution: Actively overseeing incoming, in-process, and final inspections, as well as First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) documentation for customer deliverables whenever workload demands require it.
• Compliance & Customer Relations: Lead external quality audits, manage relationships with government agencies and customers (such as the DCMA), and oversee quality flow-downs to ensure compliance with strict aerospace, defense, and ITAR frameworks.
• Supplier Engagement: Initiate and contribute to internal and supplier corrective actions (CAPAs) and conduct on-site supplier quality visits as needed to build a dependable, high-performing supply chain.
• Training & Culture Building: Develop and deliver engaging, high-buy-in training protocols to guide and empower employees across all departments on the practical application of quality control.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or technical field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in a quality assurance role within a highly regulated manufacturing environment (Aerospace/Defense heavily preferred)
• At least 3 years in a management or leadership capacity
• Strong familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous process improvement methodologies is highly valued to help view quality as a business optimization tool.
• Proficient and deeply knowledgeable in AS9100/ISO 9001 requirements, government quality flow-downs, and DCMA/Government coordination.
• Experience utilizing quality-related software and configuration tools, with experience in SolidWorks PDM, Cetec ERP, SAP, or related configuration/ERP suites being a major plus.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strict compliance requirements with manufacturing throughput goals.
• Excellent collaborative, multitasking, and organizational abilities
• "No task is too small" attitude with a proven willingness to handle direct inspection and documentation work alongside strategic planning is essential.
• Requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status required.

Qualifications

• MBA or strong background in operational management/business operations
• Experience working in an ITAR environment

Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000-$210,000 annual salary, plus participation in management performance bonus plan.

Pay

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Schedule

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).