{"id":3774153,"url":"https://alion.io/job/quest-defense-operational-excellence-manager","title":"Operational Excellence Manager","company":{"id":618,"name":"Quest Defense","domain":"quest-defense.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/quest-defense","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"services","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":82,"open_postings":21,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.714,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":30,"computed_at":"2026-11-08T05:47:12Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"remote","remote_scope":"stated_countries","remote_scope_basis":"posting_text","remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"inferred","locations":[],"countries":[],"hiring_countries":["US"],"hiring_countries_total":1,"salary":{"min":110000,"max":144000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":144000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"AS9100","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-04T18:25:03Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-04","last_verified_at":"2026-11-08T19:23:43Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":4,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":4},"description":"We’re looking for humble geniuses who believe engineering can turn the impossible into reality-and who are driven to design, build, and test solutions that matter for some of the world’s most trusted companies. If you want to do meaningful work with a diverse team that believes in shared wins, continuous learning, and engineering a brighter future, this is the place for you. \nQuest Defense Systems and Solutions is actively hiring an Operational Excellence Manager. Our Operational Excellence Manager will serve as the enterprise leader for Quality, AS9100 compliance, LEAN process improvement, and cross-functional workflow optimization. This role ensures that QDSS operates with disciplined, scalable, and compliant processes that meet internal standards, customer expectations, and industry requirements.\nThis leader will own our internal Quality Management System, oversees internal and external audits, and drives the continuous improvement engine of the company. The role strengthens the operational maturity of the Quest Defense Operating System by reducing waste, eliminating friction, and ensuring processes are compliant, well-documented, and consistently executed.\nLocation: Remote. Travel potentially Quarterly.\nWhat You’ll Do\nLead and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to meet AS9100, customer, and internal requirements.\nManage the internal audit program and lead preparation for external AS9100 audits and certification reviews.\nMaintain quality processes, documentation, and training across the organization.\nLead the review and resolution of quality issues, using root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent repeat problems.\nLead LEAN and continuous improvement efforts, including Kaizen events, waste reduction, and process improvement projects.\nDevelop and improve standard work practices, workflows, and tools to make processes more efficient and consistent.\nMap and review business processes to identify delays, gaps, and areas for improvement across teams.\nWork with leaders and cross-functional teams to put process improvements in place and ensure changes are documented, understood, and followed.\nProvide training on quality standards, LEAN practices, problem-solving methods, and audit readiness.\nDevelop and track quality and process performance measures, dashboards, and KPIs with the BI/DataOps team.\nReview audit results, quality trends, and performance data to measure results and identify further improvement opportunities.\nRequired Qualifications: \nBachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or a related field or equivalent experience\n5-10 years of experience as an operational excellence manager or in a similar operational excellence or quality leadership role\nConduct quality audits and reviews of project records, documentation, and technical data, including materials subject to U.S. export control regulations (EAR and ITAR). Candidates must be eligible to access and review export-controlled information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.\nFormal training in LEAN, Six Sigma, Quality Management or AS9100 \nExperience leading cross functional process improvement initiatives\nStrong facilitation skills to lead workshops, audits, and process mapping sessions\nExcellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills\nAbility to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution\nExperience with lean methodologies, including Kaizen events, waste reduction, and continuous improvement cycles\nExperience with standard lean practices such as value stream mapping, standard work, visual management, and cycle time analysis\nExperience facilitating process mapping sessions using SOPIC, swim lanes, or RASCI to document and redesign workflows\nExperience leading quality management initiatives\nPreferred Qualifications: \nFormal certification in LEAN, Six Sigma, Quality Management or AS9100\nExperience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.\nThe QDSS Advantage \nAt QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. \nWhat You’ll Find Here \nWork That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. \nGrowth That’s Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. \nA Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. \nBenefits Include \nCompetitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. \nFull compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications\nPay Ranges\n$110,000—$144,000 USD\nAt Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry - we’re revolutionizing it.\nQuest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.\nThis policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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