UAS Quality Manager

General Summary:

Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) supporting UAS manufacturing, including hardware, embedded software, and integrated systems. Ensures alignment with AS9100D and ISO 9001 standards while supporting the establishment of a compliant and scalable quality framework for a growing facility. Partners with leadership to build and mature quality processes that support production, compliance, and product reliability.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with AS9100D and ISO 9001 standards.
• Applies working knowledge of AS9100D requirements to help establish compliant processes, documentation, and controls within a new or scaling manufacturing environment.
• Assists in preparing the organization for AS9100D certification, including documentation development, process alignment, and audit readiness.
• Develops and drives quality initiatives for UAS platforms, subsystems, and supporting services.
• Ensures compliance with applicable quality standards, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
• Participates in internal and external audits, including certification and customer audits, and supports corrective actions as needed.
• Establishes and maintains QMS documentation including procedures, policies, and work instructions.
• Oversees inspection, testing, verification, and validation activities for hardware and embedded systems.
• Manages nonconformance reporting (NCR), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and root cause analysis to support continuous improvement.
• Supports configuration management and document control processes to ensure proper handling of engineering changes and product baselines.
• Partners with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure quality is integrated into design and production processes.
• Assists in supplier quality activities, including evaluation, monitoring, and issue resolution.
• Monitors quality metrics and product performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Supports new product introduction (NPI), First Article Inspection (FAI), and production readiness efforts.
• Promotes a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our "Family of Professionals!" Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here .

Required Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in quality within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001 standards, with experience supporting QMS implementation or certification efforts
• Familiarity with configuration management, document control, and engineering change processes
• Experience with quality tools such as root cause analysis, FMEA, SPC, and CAPA systems
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP and QMS software systems
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain an interim Secret clearance within 6 months of hire; US Citizenship required;

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
• Experience helping establish or scale quality systems in a new or growing manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and government property audits preferred.

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.