Director of Quality at L A GAUGE COMPANY INC – Sun Valley, California

For 65 years, L.A. Gauge Company has set the standard for ultraprecision machining and optics, delivering on time the most reliable, complex, and critical hardware for the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. Holding machining tolerances of 40 millionths of an inch and optical flatness to 20th wave, L.A. Gauge Company is committed to delivering to the market ‘American Precision At Its Best’

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of Quality to join our team in Sun Valley, CA. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in quality management within a precision manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace or defense industries.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, CQE) are a plus.

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant quality standards.
• Strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Proficient in using quality management tools and software.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities (will include but not be limited to)

Quality Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall quality strategy aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Lead and mentor the Quality team, fostering a culture of quality excellence throughout the organization.

Compliance & Certification:

• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and other applicable industry standards.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead audits (internal, customer, and third-party), and manage corrective action processes.

Quality Management System (QMS):

• Oversee and continually improve the QMS to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics, generating actionable insights for improvement.

Product Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all products meet or exceed customer expectations for quality and performance.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Supplier Quality Management:

• Develop and manage supplier quality programs to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality materials and components.
• Collaborate with procurement and engineering teams to address supplier performance issues.

Continuous Improvement:

• Champion initiatives to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity across the organization.
• Use tools like Six Sigma, Lean, and other methodologies to drive measurable improvement
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in quality management within a precision manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace or defense industries.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous Time Off
• 2 Weeks PTO
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Appreciation Events