Senior Quality Manager full_time

ARKA Group L.P. is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space domain. ARKA has a 60-year legacy reaching back to the very beginning of our country’s space endeavors. We’re a legacy of mission excellence built on ground-breaking technologies. Join the ARKA mission and discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview (Summary/Objective):

The Senior Quality Manager leads the Program Quality Engineering organization for ARKA’s Space & Defense business unit located in Danbury, CT.  Collaborating with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders, the position ensures all products meet the quality standards as defined by the contract and internal company standards.  The Sr. Manager is responsible to guide, develop and grow the Quality team.  We are looking for someone to develop and drive strategically while also working alongside the quality engineering and program team to get the job done.  This position offers an outstanding opportunity for the right individual to become an integral part of the business while continuing to grow their career in a dynamic organization. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the team to meet all program quality standards.
• Lead multi-functional teams in problem resolution. Manage customer and supplier expectations.  Ensure proper escalation process is in use.
• Manage business and program performance utilizing predictive and proactive measures and metrics.
• Guide and coach the Quality team to drive performance, develop potential, and facilitate career growth. 
• Ensure compliance with existing and new regulatory requirements on “volume” products for strategic suppliers and their n-tier suppliers.
• Monitor and audit process, material, and product testing against established standards and maintain a continuous analysis of quality defects and deviations.
• Drive yield and technical process improvements at supplier, actively participate in improvement projects at suppliers regarding cycle time reductions, yield improvements and quality improvements.
• Carry-out analysis of material Quality issues through structural problem-solving processes and drive technical solutions during material escalations.
• Collaborate and maintain a positive relationship with other organization functions and internal stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are executed.
• De-risk manufacturing processes at suppliers by optimizing quality, testing and qualification infrastructure, configuration management, processes and organizational capabilities.
• Identify deficiencies or gaps in testing activities and develops solutions to ensure adequate and robust quality processes.
• Continuously assess quality processes to identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Mission Assurance, Quality, Engineering, Operations or Business management with working knowledge of business strategic planning and proposal, engineering development, material and services acquisition, production, test, product acceptance and post-delivery support.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in management of people, processes and/or projects with ability to provide direction, coaching, training and mentorship to individuals of various skill and experience levels. 
• Hands on technical experience, including assembly, integration and testing with electro-mechanical and/or electro optical system with an emphasis on complex high reliability electronic assemblies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization to include subordinates, peers, internal/external customers, and leadership.  
• Ability to lead problem resolution across multi-functional teams and guide teams involved in corrective action. 
• Ability and willingness to provide both strategic and hands on leadership and support. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASQ certification (CQE or CQM)
• SAP ERP experience is a plus
• Background in AS9100 standard
• Experience within the aerospace industry

Location:

The position is located onsite at our facility in Danbury, CT. Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Continuing education benefit up to $25k/year for approved programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. This position also requires the ability to move around the campus, including on the manufacturing floor, and use protective equipment as appropriate.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. The form contained in this link will provide insight into the information the government requests as part of the clearance process. https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf.

Due to contract requirements, US citizenship is required. Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the US and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position. You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Employment with any of the ARKA Group companies in the US is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check and drug screen.

ARKA Group L.P. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.