{"id":689000,"url":"https://alion.io/job/divergent-technologies-director-supplier-quality","title":"Director, Supplier Quality","company":{"id":58529,"name":"Divergent Technologies","domain":"divergent3d.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/divergent-technologies","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":85,"open_postings":25,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.6,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":55,"computed_at":"2026-10-21T05:46:15Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"head","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Torrance, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":193100,"max":236020,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":236020},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-06-02T20:38:43Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-02","last_verified_at":"2026-10-21T08:31:27Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":140,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":140},"description":"Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. \nJoin us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.\nPurpose\nThe Director of Supplier Quality leads the development and execution of Divergent’s global supplier quality strategy. This role is responsible for ensuring that all externally sourced components, materials, and services meet stringent quality, reliability, and performance standards-spanning prototype through full-rate production. \nYou will build and scale supplier quality systems appropriate for a high-growth, advanced manufacturing environment, while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement across a diverse and evolving supply base. \nThis is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic quality management, deep technical engagement with suppliers, cross-functional collaboration, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a highly dynamic, fast-growth environment, and bring both startup grit and world-class manufacturing discipline. \nThe Role\nKey Responsibilities \nSupplier Quality Strategy, Governance & Operating Model\nArchitect and deploy a scalable supplier quality operating system that supports: \nLow-volume, high-complexity builds \nScalable, repeatable production \nAdditive manufacturing infrastructure \nDefine supplier segmentation strategy (strategic, critical, developmental, transactional) with differentiated quality engagement models. \nEstablish quality governance forums (e.g., Supplier Quality Council, cross-functional escalation reviews). \nDevelop multi-year roadmap for supplier quality maturity aligned with company growth (prototype → industrialization → scale). \nOwn end-to-end supplier quality policies, procedures, and standard work. \nDrive digitization of supplier quality processes (QMS tools, real-time dashboards, supplier portals). \nSupplier Selection, Qualification & Industrialization\nPartner with sourcing during RFQ and supplier selection to evaluate: \nTechnical capability \nProcess maturity \nCapacity and scalability \nQuality system robustness \nLead supplier risk assessments (technical, operational, geopolitical, financial). \nDefine and execute supplier qualification frameworks, including: \nPre-award audits (process, quality system, manufacturing readiness) \nCapability studies and run-at-rate validations \nDrive industrialization readiness for new suppliers: \nManufacturing process validation \nTooling and fixture qualification \nSpecial process validation (heat treatment, additive, composites, machining, etc.) \n Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Execution\nOwn supplier-side APQP execution across all programs and customers. \nEnsure robust completion and approval of: \nDesign reviews and supplier feasibility commitments \nProcess Flow Diagrams aligned to actual manufacturing steps \nPFMEA with high-risk failure modes mitigated prior to SOP \nControl Plans tied to critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics \nDrive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions at appropriate levels: \nValidate dimensional results, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and material certifications \nEnsure alignment with engineering specifications and performance requirements \nEstablish launch readiness criteria and enforce strict entry/exit gates for suppliers. \n Supplier Performance Management & Continuous Improvement\nDefine and operationalize supplier scorecards, including: \nPPM (defects) \nOn-time delivery (OTD) \nCost of Poor Quality (COPQ) \nResponsiveness and corrective action closure time \nLead monthly/quarterly business reviews (MBRs/QBRs) with strategic suppliers. \nDrive structured supplier improvement programs, including: \nLean manufacturing implementation \nSix Sigma projects \nYield and throughput optimization \nDevelop and deploy supplier development roadmaps for underperforming or strategic partners. \nOwn escalation process for chronic supplier issues, including executive-level interventions. \nNonconformance Management, Root Cause & Corrective Actions\nEstablish a closed-loop nonconformance management system across incoming, in-process, and field issues. \nLead critical supplier quality issue resolution using: \n8D methodology \n5 Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone), fault tree analysis \nEnsure true root cause identification (escape point + occurrence cause), not superficial fixes. \nValidate effectiveness of corrective actions through data and audit. \nPartner with internal teams to manage: \nSupplier containment actions \nLine disruptions and recovery plans \nField failures and warranty-related supplier issues \nIncoming Quality & Risk-Based Inspection Strategy\nDesign and implement risk-based incoming inspection frameworks, including: \nDock-to-stock programs for high-performing suppliers \nIncreased inspection for new or underperforming suppliers \nDefine inspection plans based on: \nCriticality of components (safety, structural, performance) \nSupplier capability and historical performance \nOptimize balance between inspection, cost, and risk. \nImplement advanced inspection technologies where applicable (CMM, CT scanning, digital metrology). \nSupplier Audits & Quality Systems Compliance\nDevelop and execute a global supplier audit program, including: \nQuality system audits (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100 as applicable) \nProcess audits (layered process audits, special process validation) \nProduct audits \nEnsure supplier compliance with: \nRegulatory requirements \nCustomer-specific requirements \nInternal Divergent standards \nTrack audit findings, ensure timely closure, and verify effectiveness. \nDrive suppliers toward higher levels of quality system maturity. \n New Product Introduction (NPI) & Program Support\nEmbed SQE resources within program teams to ensure early supplier engagement. \nIdentify and mitigate supplier risks during design and development phases. \nEnsure suppliers are aligned to: \nEngineering changes (ECR/ECO processes) \nPrototype and pre-production builds \nSupport rapid iteration cycles typical of advanced engineering environments while maintaining quality discipline. \nDrive seamless transition from prototype builds → pilot → production. \nCross-Functional Integration\nAct as the primary interface between suppliers and internal teams for all quality-related matters. \nPartner closely with: \nEngineering (design quality, tolerances, materials) \nSupply Chain (sourcing strategy, supplier selection) \nManufacturing (line readiness, issue resolution) \nProgram Management (timelines, milestones, risk tracking) \nInfluence design decisions to ensure manufacturability and supplier capability alignment. \nGlobal Supplier Engagement & Field Presence\nMaintain strong, in-person engagement with key suppliers through: \nOn-site audits \nLaunch support \nCrisis management \nLead war room / rapid response efforts at supplier sites when needed. \nBuild long-term, trust-based partnerships with strategic suppliers while maintaining accountability. \nTeam Leadership & Capability Building\nBuild and lead a high-caliber Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) organization. \nDefine roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for the team. \nCoach and develop team members in: \nTechnical quality tools \nSupplier engagement and influence \nProblem-solving methodologies \nEstablish a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement. \nEnsure proper resourcing to support Divergent growth trajectory. \nCost of Quality & Business Impact\nOwn and reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) across the supply base. \nQuantify financial impact of supplier quality issues (scrap, rework, downtime, warranty). \nPartner with finance and supply chain to drive should-cost and quality-cost tradeoffs. \nEnsure supplier quality supports overall business objectives: speed, cost, scalability, and performance. \nBasic Qualifications\n10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or related roles. \n5+ years of leadership experience managing SQE or quality teams. \nStrong experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments. \nDeep expertise in: \nAPQP / PPAP \nRoot cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys,etc.) \nStatistical process control (SPC) \nSupplier auditing and development \nProven track record of scaling supplier quality systems in high-growth or startup environments. \nExperience managing complex, global supply chains. \nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with additive manufacturing, lightweight structures, or advanced materials. \nFamiliarity with both low-volume high-complexity and scalable production systems. \nCertifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt. \nExperience with digital manufacturing or highly automated production environments.\nWork Environment\nThis role will be onsite in our Torrance, CA office. \nCompensation\nAt Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at level M08 as evaluated through our interview process. \nM08/ Director, Supplier Quality: $193,100 - $236,020\nPay Range\n$193,100—$236,020 USD\nWhat We Offer:\nHolistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.\nWellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.\nComprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.\nInvestment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.\nCollaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. \nEqual Employment Opportunity\nDivergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.\nEEO Poster \nIn order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected. \n\nE-Verify: Right to Work\nOur company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). 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