Director, Quality

Our mission at Skyryse is nothing less than a new era in flight, where fatalities are nearly zero, piloting any aircraft is simple and safe, and the sky is accessible to all. SkyOS, our industry-first universal operating system for flight, provides any airplane or helicopter with a fly-by-wire flight management solution that significantly reduces the complexity of flying. Skyryse One, our first production aircraft powered by SkyOS, was unveiled in 2024 and features the simplest, safest, and most intuitive flight controls in general aviation.

DIRECTOR OF QUALITY - EL SEGUNDO, CA

As Director of Quality you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aircraft control systems and aviation safety. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of the Quality Management System (QMS) across our organization, which includes OEM operations, supplier quality management, a Part 145 Repair Station, and an installation center. This role will require a strong understanding of FAA regulations, including Part 21 (PMA) and Part 145 (MRO) operations, as well as experience with Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in establishing and scaling quality systems within the aerospace sector and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the safety and reliability of operations. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a deep understanding of aerospace quality systems and regulatory frameworks. The Director of Quality will be instrumental in driving the company’s success through a commitment to excellence, operational rigor, and continuous improvement.

This is a full-time onsite opportunity based out of El Segundo, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality management system to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Oversee the administration and ongoing management of the QMS, including documentation, process control, and record-keeping.
• Ensure alignment with AS9100 standards and other applicable aviation quality standards.
• Oversee all regulatory and certification activities, including FAA audits, repair station approvals, and PMA compliance.
• Manage the quality aspects of Supplemental Type Certification (STC) projects, including the conformity of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and aircraft as required for FAA approval.
• Lead communication and coordination with FAA representatives and other regulatory bodies.
• Develop and manage supplier quality programs, including supplier qualification, receiving inspection, and first article inspection in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and contractual requirements.
• Drive supplier performance improvements through data analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage receiving inspection processes to ensure that all materials and components meet specified quality requirements.
• Oversee first article inspection (FAI) processes in compliance with AS9102 requirements.
• Implement and manage processes to ensure conformity of LRUs and aircraft during STC and production activities.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Quality team, including hiring, training, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration to drive quality improvements across the organization.
• Identify opportunities for process and product improvement through root cause analysis, data analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and other quality metrics to track performance and drive improvements.
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma and other industry best practices to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management within the commercial aviation or aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and scaling QMS within FAA Part 21 (PMA) and Part 145 (MRO) operations.
• Proven experience managing quality for Supplemental Type Certification (STC) projects, including LRU and aircraft conformity.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation quality standards and regulations, including FAA regulations, ISO standards, AS9100, and NADCAP requirements.
• Experience in supplier quality management, including supplier qualification, receiving inspection, first article inspection (AS9102), and supplier audits.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a team of quality professionals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Ability to travel as needed to support supplier audits, certification activities, and other quality-related initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience working directly with the FAA and other regulatory agencies.
• Certification as a Quality Auditor or Quality Engineer.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing and repair station environments.

WHY SKYRYSE?

• The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility 
• Salary:  $200 - $250K depending on seniority 
• Valuable stock option plan
• Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
• Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually.  PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
• A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!

The posted salary range reflects the potential base pay for this role, adjusted to account for varying geographic markets. Final compensation will be based on factors such as your location, job-related skills, experience, and internal alignment, including equity and benefits.

WE WELCOME ALL
Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.