Quality Assurance and Configuration Management Lead

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 : 1218 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

Masters 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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