We are seeking a hands-on, pragmatic, and technically astute Head of Quality & Build Reliability to lead the development and execution of quality assurance processes that ensure our aircraft and unmanned systems are built to Department of Defense standards, and positioned for successful FAA certification and field operation. This individual will be based full-time at our Atlanta, GA production facility and will lead a high-performing, lean team of quality professionals to enable rapid development, manufacturing, and delivery of complex aerospace systems.

This position owns the development and sustainment of a digital Quality Management System (QMS) and is responsible for maintaining compliance with AS9100, ISO9001, ISO27001, and relevant FAA regulations (e.g., Part 21, 23, 91, 135). The ideal candidate will partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain to lead quality reviews, address production nonconformances, and embed quality into the design, build, and sustainment lifecycle.

This role plays a key part in enabling Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Configuration Management, while also accelerating progress through the use of action-biased quality systems and the development of standard repair documentation and rework flows.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Quality Systems & Certification - Design and operate a digital QMS that supports traceability, scalability, and compliance to AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 27001. Lead audit readiness, surveillance audits, and maintain compliance with internal and external quality requirements. Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), manage NCR processes, and continuously improve internal quality performance. Build and maintain systems required to support FAA Type Certification, Production Certification, or Operational Approval for unmanned systems.
Production Quality & Reliability - Establish and enforce quality standards across internal manufacturing and final assembly, including receiving inspection, in-process inspections, and final vehicle release. Partner with Production and Engineering to improve yield, minimize rework, and implement standard repair processes. Provide oversight of special processes (welding, bonding, coatings, NDE) to ensure conformance to specifications.
Supplier Quality & Integration - Oversee supplier quality activities including audits, surveillance, source inspection, and incoming inspection requirements. Drive root cause analysis and corrective action with suppliers to reduce escape rates and improve upstream quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and serviceability through close partnership with Engineering. Influence configuration management and product definition to improve traceability, buildability, and sustainment support. Collaborate on field return assessments and design feedback loops to improve durability and support.
UAV & FAA Certification Support - Lead or support conformity inspections and FAA production readiness activities under Part 21, Part 23, Part 91, or Part 135. Ensure documentation traceability and build integrity to meet requirements for airworthiness release, flight test, and operational deployment of UAVs. Maintain audit trails and inspection records to support aircraft certification and production authority.
Team Leadership & Development - Build, lead, and mentor a small, high-output team of quality engineers, inspectors, and reliability specialists. Foster a culture of accountability, action, and cross-functional integration rather than siloed gatekeeping. Action-oriented with a “solutions, not roadblocks” mindset.

MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical discipline.
10+ years of quality and reliability experience in aerospace, defense, or UAV sectors, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
Demonstrated success operating in DoD-regulated production environments, with knowledge of FAR/DFARS, MIL-STDs, and DCMA processes.
Hands-on experience implementing or maintaining AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO27001 compliant QMS.
Experience supporting FAA aircraft certification or production approvals—preferably for unmanned or novel aircraft systems.
Direct experience with field returns, sustainment quality, and lifecycle service tracking.

Required Technical Competencies

Working knowledge of FAA regulations: Part 21 (Certification Procedures), Part 23 (Aircraft Certification), Part 91 (General Operating Rules), and/or Part 135 (Commuter and On-Demand Operations).
Familiarity with NDE methods and equipment (e.g., ultrasonic, X-ray, dye penetrant).
Experience with or knowledge of AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) requirements.
Proficiency in Metrology principles and calibration management.
Understanding of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards for technical drawings and inspection.
Deep understanding of root cause analysis tools (8D, Fishbone, FMEA, Pareto, etc.).
Ability to interpret and act on engineering models, CAD data, BOMs, and inspection plans.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar ASQ certification.
Experience with digital QMS and e-QMS platforms.
Experience managing FAA conformity and airworthiness inspections.
Experience with field data acquisition, telemetry analysis, and reliability prediction tools.
Familiarity with cybersecurity-related quality (e.g., DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance).

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