Company BackgroundFortem Technologies is the leader in airspace awareness, security, and defense for detecting and defeating dangerous drones. Through an advanced, end to end system of distributed radar, AI at the Edge, deep sensor integration, and autonomous drone capture, Fortem monitors and defends the world’s venues, infrastructures, cities, and regions. Fortem’s systems are accelerating the safety of the world’s airspace for urban air mobility.Position SummaryReporting to the VP of Manufacturing and Operations, the Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with AS9100D, and maintaining the highest standards across incoming, in-process, and outgoing product quality, and serving as a primary leader in the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).Primary ResponsibilitiesEstablish and oversee incoming inspection processes for electronic components, PCBs, and mechanical assembliesDevelop supplier quality requirements and ensure adherence to specificationsManage supplier audits, scorecards, and corrective actionsLead and manage First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9100DPartner with Engineering and Manufacturing to validate new product introductions, design changes, and process changesOversee final inspection and product release processes to ensure compliance with customer requirementsServe as a QMS Leader, owning development and continuous improvement of the QMSEnsure full compliance with AS9100D and applicable regulatory requirementsLead internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory auditsEnsure proper documentation, traceability, and configuration control prior to shipmentPartner with production to ensure readiness for customer acceptance and deliverySupport contract requirements, including flow-down of quality clauses to suppliersEstablish and track KPIs (defect rates, yield, supplier performance, COPQ)Lead initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologiesDrive a culture of quality and operational excellenceLead, mentor, and develop QA/QC team membersProvide training on AS9100D, inspection standards, and quality proceduresCollaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program ManagementRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or related field5–10+ years of QA leadership experience in a hardware/electronics manufacturing environmentDirect experience working in a DoD or defense contractor environmentDeep working knowledge of AS9100D and audit processesStrong experience with: Incoming Quality Control (IQC), Outgoing Quality Control (OQC), First Article Inspection (FAI), Supplier Quality Management, and Root Cause Analysis & CAPAPreferred QualificationsExperience with PCBAs, RF systems, or aerospace/defense electronicsSix Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)Familiarity with configuration management and product lifecycle systemsAS9100D Lead Auditor certificationOther Essentials and Key Success FactorsHighest levels of professionalism, confidence, personal values, and ethical standardsLeadership and accountabilityAttention to detail in high-reliability environmentsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and cross-functional collaborationAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization