Job Details

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Vice President of Quality Assurance to join our Quality Assurance team in Poway, CA.

As the Vice President of Quality Assurance, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing the company's strategic quality plan in collaboration with executive leadership and senior leaders. You will lead efforts to ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory mandates while fostering a culture of excellence across all levels of the organization. This role demands a forward-thinking leader who combines technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver impactful results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Strategic Leadership: Drive quality initiatives that enhance operational performance and support business goals.
• Decision-Making Excellence: Make data-driven decisions that balance cost, schedule, risk, safety, and employee morale.
• Quality Culture Development: Inspire a company-wide commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• EHS Oversight: Responsibility for Environmental, Health, and Safety programs.
• Establish quality strategies aligned with organizational goals, ensuring consistent quality across the product lifecycle.
• Build and lead a high-performing quality assurance team, fostering continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (AS9100, CMMI), legal regulations (ITAR/EAR), and customer requirements.
• Spearhead quality control systems and audit protocols to monitor production processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate quality assurance measures into all business areas.
• Manage the department budget to optimize resource allocation while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Analyze data to identify process improvement opportunities and document action plans.
• Develop Quality Assurance Plans for new projects and oversee their execution.
• Maintains awareness and communicates condition of Quality concerns to executive management.
• Lead and oversee complex root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address errors.
• Provide key leadership skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to handle high-level difficult situations independently leading the Quality Organization.
• Design dashboards for quality performance reporting and drive actions across internal teams.
• Represent the organization in audits and inspections with regulatory bodies such as DCMA, DCAA, and certification authorities.
• Provides direction, mentoring and training to lower-level managers and staff in quality concepts while recruiting and retaining top talent.
• Protect organizational assets by ensuring compliance with information security, HR, and corporate policies.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Other duties as required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in quality assurance, particularly in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industries.
• Must have a broad hardware and software background and understanding of applicable disciplines outside primary areas of expertise; and the ability to solve complex management and technical problems.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, strong analytical and planning skills, and well-developed communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Expertise in advanced metrology, non-destructive inspection, and compliance frameworks such as AS9100 and CMMI.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across departments.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate high-level challenges.
• Trusted by regulatory agencies and respected by internal stakeholders for technical expertise and leadership.
• Requires some travel
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• May be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in quality assurance, process improvement, and strategic planning.
• Proven managerial expertise and a deep understanding of GA-ASI's business areas.
• A track record of leading complex initiatives that deliver measurable success.

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