Director of Quality

Employer description

Company Overview

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.

Director of Quality

Lead Red 6 into a scalable aerospace product organization.

Red 6 develops advanced augmented reality capabilities for aerospace and defense applications. We seek a hands-on, strategic Director of Quality to lead the next phase of our evolution into disciplined, repeatable product qualification and production. This leader will strengthen existing foundations while guiding the processes, evidence, and behaviors needed to meet customer, regulatory, safety, and aerospace industry expectations.

Success requires more than maintaining certifications. The Director will embed quality planning into product development, improve manufacturing and supplier readiness, and create a culture in which teams jointly solve problems before they become defects, delays, or compliance findings. Key results are building practical, auditable quality processes with Quality as a trusted partner across Engineering, Operations, Programs, and the supplier base.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

Own the enterprise Quality strategy and roadmap, scaling the Quality Management System (QMS) to match product maturity, production volume, and customer commitments.

Maintain and continuously improve AS9100 certification and audit readiness. Lead management reviews, internal audits, corrective action effectiveness, risk based thinking, and process ownership.

Lead ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system maturation and certification readiness, in coordination with accountable safety and operations leaders.

Deploy practical Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) disciplines aligned to AS9145 where applicable, including quality planning, process flow, PFMEA, control plans, measurement system analysis, first article inspection, and production readiness reviews.

Integrate Quality into design inputs, reviews, verification and validation, configuration control, design changes, manufacturing transitions, and product release criteria.

Establish scalable document and record controls, product pedigree, serial level traceability, inspection and test evidence, nonconformance controls, material review, CAPA, and calibration systems.

Develop supplier qualification, surveillance, performance scorecards, supplier corrective actions, and risk based oversight of contract manufacturers and critical suppliers.

Partner with Engineering and Operations to strengthen hardware quality, reliability, manufacturability, process validation, FOD/ESD controls, and handling of nonconforming material.

Improve the connection between Windchill PLM, Epsilon3 MES, Unanet ERP, and existing compliance tools to support controlled, usable, auditable data across design, build, and delivery.

Lead customer quality engagement, audits, contractual quality deliverables, and coordination with defense and aerospace stakeholders as applicable.

LEAD A COLLABORATIVE QUALITY CULTURE

Build a capable Quality team with clear roles, coaching, succession planning, and cross functional influence.

Act as a constructive partner to Engineering. Translate standards and contractual obligations into design intent, risk, and measurable acceptance criteria rather than relying on clause citations alone.

Distinguish nonnegotiable compliance outcomes from implementation choices. Invite Engineering and Operations to co-design efficient solutions.

Create early quality engagement in program planning and design reviews. Resolve disagreements using evidence, risk, cost, schedule, and accountable decision ownership.

Establish shared performance measures and a regular Quality–Engineering working cadence to reduce late surprises and unproductive escalation.

Promote a just, learning oriented culture that encourages timely issue reporting, root cause analysis, and effective preventive action.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Significant progressive aerospace or defense quality leadership experience, including building or scaling an AS9100 QMS and leading certification or surveillance audits.

Demonstrated success moving products from prototype or development environments into qualified, controlled, repeatable production.

Working knowledge of APQP per AS9145, AS9102 first article inspection, supplier quality, configuration management, CAPA, and risk based process control.

Ability to influence senior technical leaders without defaulting to authority or unnecessary bureaucracy. Strong facilitation, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.

Experience with customer and supplier quality requirements, quality metrics, and cross functional improvement programs.

Ability to work on site in Denver and travel periodically to suppliers and other Red 6 locations.

Must be US Citizen to have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

ISO 45001 implementation or certification leadership; AS9115 awareness for deliverable software where relevant.

DoD prime contractor interfaces, DCMA, DFARS, and applicable government customer quality requirements.

Experience with PLM, MES, ERP, and integrated digital quality workflows, especially Windchill, Epsilon3, and Unanet.

Lean Six Sigma, ASQ quality credentials, GD&T, hardware reliability, and complex electromechanical systems.

Experience developing small teams into mature, business enabling quality organizations.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS

Publish an agreed risk based Quality maturity roadmap with clear process owners and milestones.

Sustain AS9100 compliance and close systemic audit or corrective action gaps with evidence of effectiveness.

Introduce an appropriate APQP and production readiness framework for priority product lines.

Improve supplier quality visibility, product traceability, and readiness of controlled manufacturing documentation.

Demonstrate stronger Quality–Engineering collaboration through earlier issue resolution and fewer late stage quality surprises.

Provide leadership with a concise scorecard covering escapes, rework, supplier performance, CAPA aging, audit findings, and readiness milestones.

Estimated Base Salary range dependent on skills and experience: $175,000 to $195,000

Full-Time Employee Benefits

Healthcare, Dental, and Vision (100% coverage for Employees)

Paid time off, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and parental leave

Short and Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401(k) Retirement Plan

Voluntary Worksite Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)

May be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance, subject to plan terms.

Note

Red 6 reserves the right to change its current benefits program at any time, in a manner that is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations.

This job description is not a contract and confers no contractual rights, privileges, or benefits on any applicant or potential applicant. Red 6 has the right to change any and all terms of this job description, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits. Nothing in this job description constitutes an offer or guarantee of employment.

Red Six Aerospace, Inc, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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