Job Title: Configuration Management / Quality Assurance (CM/QA) Lead

Location: Madison Heights, MI

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced CM/QA Lead to join our team in Madison Heights, MI. This leadership role is responsible for establishing and maintaining enterprise-wide Configuration Management (CM) and Quality Assurance (QA) systems. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with defense industry standards and provide independent quality oversight across all company programs, including production contracts, UAS division, and prototype development.

This dual-discipline position integrates configuration and quality management for optimal efficiency while maintaining independence for objective review and risk mitigation.

Primary Responsibilities

Configuration Management

• Establish and implement company-wide CM policies, procedures, and standards
• Develop and maintain Configuration Management Plans (CMPs) for all active programs
• Manage baselines for hardware, software, firmware, and documentation
• Oversee change control processes, configuration identification, and status accounting
• Coordinate CM activities across all programs and ensure traceability

Quality Management

• Implement and manage a QMS compliant with AS9100/ISO 9001
• Enforce quality procedures across all departments
• Lead CAPA processes and manage customer quality deliverables
• Maintain AS9100 certification and lead internal/external/supplier audits
• Collaborate with Lead Supplier Quality Engineer for supplier quality integration

Enterprise Oversight & Independent Review

• Provide independent quality oversight to avoid conflicts of interest
• Conduct inspections, audits, and manage calibration and acceptance testing
• Handle nonconformance identification, disposition, and corrective actions
• Ensure implementation of process controls and SPC in manufacturing
• Oversee first article inspections and customer quality reporting

Process Integration & Compliance

• Integrate CM and QA systems for cohesive compliance and operational efficiency
• Establish process metrics and audit reporting systems
• Align CM/QA strategy with program and proposal requirements
• Ensure regulatory compliance (ITAR, DFARS, DCMA, customer-specific standards)

Data & Documentation Management

• Oversee product data/document control, release, revision, retention, and archival
• Coordinate with IT for data security, access control, and status accounting

Strategic Leadership & Customer Interface

• Lead customer audits and present quality system strategies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and develop enterprise-wide quality strategies
• Report enterprise quality metrics and KPIs
• Serve as senior liaison for customer quality engagement and business development

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field
• Experience: 12–18 years in CM/QA within defense/aerospace industries, across hardware/software environments, managing multiple concurrent programs
• Technical Proficiency:
• CM tools (e.g., PLM, version control) and QA tools (e.g., SPC, measurement systems)
• Familiarity with DoD standards (MIL-STD-973, AS9100, DoD-STD-480), ITAR, FAR/DFARS
• Certifications Preferred:
• Configuration Management (e.g., CMMI, INCOSE CSEP)
• ASQ CQE, CQA, or AS9100 Lead Auditor certification
• Clearance: Active Secret Clearance preferred
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing CM/QA teams and driving independent oversight

Preferred Qualifications

• UAS/drone or ground combat system experience
• Defense contracting across multiple concurrent programs
• Master’s degree in Engineering or Quality Management
• Experience in IPT/matrix environments and prototype-to-production transitions
• Electrical/mechanical systems integration QA
• Familiarity with cybersecurity compliance for defense systems

Key Success Metrics

• AS9100 certification maintenance
• Timely CM/QA deliverable execution
• Reduction in engineering change cycle times
• Improved inspection rates and nonconformance cost reductions
• Positive customer quality ratings and audit outcomes
• Effective CM/QA process integration across all programs

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the COO. Provides functional leadership and independent oversight of embedded CM/QA teams. Works closely with the Lead Supplier Quality Engineer and the Program Management Director for coordination and resource alignment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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