Senior Manager, Quality Systems

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human-safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Summary: This is an exciting senior manager role in an innovative fast-growing company. The ideal candidate for the position is someone who has the leadership experience and competency to grow and direct the overall quality and reliability operations including program and hardware reliability, supply chain quality, quality assurance, and overall Quality Management System.  In this role, you will be directly accountable for leading with cross-functional partners to shape the future quality and reliability structure, operating system, and business processes that drive efficiency for a rapidly expanding company. 

Responsibilities: 

Quality and Reliability Strategy: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality and reliability strategy aligned with business objectives, customer expectations, and industry standards. 
• Define quality and reliability goals, metrics, and KPIs to measure performance and drive continuous improvement in both internal manufacturing and at sources, suppliers 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quality and reliability considerations into product design, development, and manufacturing processes. 

Program and Hardware Reliability 

• Act as primary POC with external customers on quality-related program plans and execution. 
• Identifies hardware quality risks and proactively collaborates with Program, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain leaders to identify potential areas of process and product variability throughout the product development lifecycle. 
• Partner with internal teams to implement quality controls for incoming material, internal product build, and test, to prevent the escape of nonconforming products. 
• Lead direct reports to coordinate timely and thorough root cause investigations and corrective actions for quality issues.  
• Define and enforce supplier quality and reliability requirements and standards. 
• Establish strong relationships with key suppliers and collaborate to improve the quality, reliability, and performance of supplied materials and components. 
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate capabilities, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Implemented and maintained the quality management system and served as site quality management representative.  This including database and config management of policies, procedures, and processes compliant with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100)   
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure adherence to QMS requirements and drive corrective actions as needed. 
• Utilizes data to assess the overall health and effectiveness of the site’s quality system  

Continuous Improvement

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting lean, 6 Sigma awareness, training, and collaboration throughout the organization. 
• Champion initiatives to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness in quality and reliability management. 
• Provide data analysis regarding operations and their cost drivers, material and information flows, productivity, and material consumption. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Quality or Reliability in high-growth manufacturing or Quality Leadership including people management roles. 
• Experience working in Aerospace, Defense, Manufacturing, and Technology industries.  
• Proven track record of implementing effective quality and reliability management systems 
• Understanding of enterprise business systems – ERP, MES, QMS  
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements – AS9100  
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization. 
• Proven leadership experience in developing high-performing, technically knowledgeable teams 
• Experience working with product teams or in a value-stream environment  
• Ability to lead change and continuous improvement leveraging lean, 6sigma methodology. 
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident (future clearance may be required). 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Exposure to standard materials and processes used to manufacture components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies (Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Subs and Systems). 
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certifications are desirable. 
• ERP System functionality and data analytics, metrics, and reporting  
• Project Management certification or knowledge of best practices including MS Project, SmartSheet, and how to allocate resources, control cost, and schedule. 
• A proactive approach to quality and compliance, with a focus on innovation and adaptation in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong ability to think and act globally, be a fearless change agent while managing risks, develop future visions, and engage audiences to drive transformation. 
• Capable of presenting clear and insightful thoughts based on facts and data to gain trust, build confidence, and influence key stakeholders across the business. 
• Persistence to continuously improve, never settling for status quo, while keeping customer satisfaction and customer value central. 
• Must be a self-starter with high personal accountability and courage to always do the right thing. 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., and a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team.