Quality Manager - AS9100D QMS Lead for Skyeton USA Manufacturing

Skyeton is a leading manufacturer of long-endurance fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supporting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, defense, infrastructure monitoring, and critical mission operations. The Raybird family of platforms has accumulated hundreds of thousands of operational flight hours in real-world environments. Skyeton USA Manufacturing is building its first U.S. production facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with additional expansion planned in Nevada and Oklahoma.

Company Culture

Skyeton fosters a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and mission execution. Employees are encouraged to take initiative, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute ideas that directly impact product development and operational success. The organization values adaptability, continuous learning, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose in advancing aerospace and defense technology.

Position Summary

The Quality Manager serves as the senior quality leader for Skyeton USA Manufacturing and is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the company’s AS9100D-compliant Quality Management System (QMS). This role oversees quality operations across the manufacturing floor, supplier quality activities, first article inspections, customer quality interactions, and registrar audits while ensuring delivered products meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a startup manufacturing environment where the Quality Manager will build scalable systems from the ground up and support future expansion into additional Skyeton USA facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain Skyeton USA’s AS9100D-compliant Quality Management System (QMS)
• Lead AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) processes across all production stages
• Establish document control, configuration management, and traceability systems
• Develop and manage internal audit, corrective action, preventive action, and management review programs
• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections across composite, electronics, machining, assembly, and test operations
• Manage supplier quality programs including audits, qualification, and nonconformance resolution
• Implement practical risk-based thinking principles aligned with AS9100D Clause 6.1
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, composites, electrical, and supply chain teams
• Lead customer quality reviews, source inspections, registrar audits, and warranty investigations
• Develop and track quality KPIs including first-pass yield, scrap/rework, supplier quality performance, and customer satisfaction
• Train production personnel on quality awareness, ESD, FOD prevention, and inspection standards
• Support scaling of quality systems for future Skyeton USA facilities
• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 12+ years of aerospace or defense quality experience
• 5+ years in a senior quality leadership role such as Quality Manager, Quality Director, or Quality Engineering Manager
• Demonstrated experience implementing or redesigning AS9100D Quality Management Systems
• Hands-on experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection procedures
• Strong working knowledge of:
• AS9100D
• AS9102
• IPC-A-610
• IPC/WHMA-A-620
• ANSI/ESD S20.20
• ISO 17025 / ANSI/NCSL Z540
• Experience with customer audits, registrar audits, and supplier quality management
• Strong production-floor leadership and manufacturing support experience
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR-controlled environments
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in UAV, aerospace, or defense manufacturing environments
• Wet-layup composite manufacturing quality experience

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• Startup or greenfield manufacturing experience
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification
• ASQ certifications such as CQE, CQM/OE, or CQA
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification
• Familiarity with SAE AS5553, AS6174, and AS13000 standards
• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field
• Military or Department of Defense program experience

Skills & Competencies

• Strong systems-thinking and process-design capability
• Excellent judgment and risk-based decision-making skills
• Hands-on leadership presence on the manufacturing floor
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced and ambiguous environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Customer-focused mindset with commitment to operational excellence
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety and compliance
• Ability to balance quality rigor with operational efficiency

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) plan with company match

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• Medical insurance: voluntary health insurance program
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Sign-on bonus and relocation assistance may be available
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding aerospace organization
• Opportunity to work on innovative unmanned aerial systems and advanced aerospace technologies

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site role located in Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Frequent presence required on the manufacturing floor
• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, machinery, and ESD-controlled areas
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
• Domestic travel up to approximately 10–15% for supplier audits, customer visits, and future site support
• Must be able to wear required PPE as necessary

Application Process

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: m.staub@skyeton.com

Applications will be reviewed as received.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Skyeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.