Director, Manufacturing Quality

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

The Director of Manufacturing Quality is responsible for overseeing quality assurance in aviation production, ensuring that all manufactured components and assemblies meet the highest industry standards. This role focuses on maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, improving manufacturing processes, and driving continuous quality enhancement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing quality strategies aligned with aviation industry standards (FAA, EASA, AS9100, NADCAP, etc.).
• Design and implement the Archer QMS (Quality Management System) based on AS9100 and other industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements throughout the production process.
• Lead quality audits and inspections to verify adherence to established quality protocols.
• Oversee root cause analysis for manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to integrate quality controls into design and manufacturing.
• Establish quality metrics and reporting systems to track performance and drive improvements.
• Manage non-conformance processes, ensuring timely resolution and preventive measures.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and training across manufacturing teams.
• Work closely with suppliers and the Supplier Quality team to ensure quality of sourced materials and components.
• Leverage Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies to optimize quality performance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing quality management within the automotive, aviation and/or aerospace industry.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulatory and quality standards (FAA, EASA, AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, statistical quality control, and process validation.
• Proven leadership in driving manufacturing quality improvements and managing audit programs.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel as required for audits, inspections, and supplier evaluations.

• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Experience implementing digital manufacturing quality solutions and automation.
• Expertise in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $201,960 - $224,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to