Director, Supplier Quality (Automotive/Aerospace)

TL;DR

Director, Supplier Quality (Manufacturing): Leading the development and execution of a global supplier quality strategy for an advanced factory system with an accent on additive manufacturing and scalable production. Focus on architecting quality governance, driving APQP/PPAP execution, and managing complex global supply chains to ensure stringent reliability standards.

Location: Onsite in Torrance, California, United States

Salary: $193,100 - $236,020

Company

Divergent is a technology company that has commercialized the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) to optimize engineering and additive manufacturing for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

What you will do

• Architect and deploy a scalable supplier quality operating system supporting additive manufacturing and high-complexity builds.
• Lead supplier selection, risk assessments, and industrialization readiness, including process validation and tooling qualification.
• Own supplier-side APQP and PPAP execution, ensuring robust PFMEA and Control Plans are in place.
• Operationalize supplier scorecards and lead continuous improvement programs using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Establish a closed-loop nonconformance management system utilizing 8D, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa analysis.
• Build and lead a high-caliber Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) organization, coaching team members in technical quality tools.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality or Manufacturing Quality.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing SQE or quality teams.
• Must be based onsite in Torrance, CA.
• Strong experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in APQP, PPAP, SPC, and 8D root cause analysis.
• Proven track record of scaling quality systems in high-growth or startup environments.

Nice to have

• Experience with additive manufacturing, lightweight structures, or advanced materials.
• Certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing or highly automated production environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package including competitive salary, equity plan, and results-based bonuses.
• Full health and wellness benefits with HMO and Premium PPO options, plus company-sponsored life insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and a year-end company shutdown to recharge.
• Paid parental leave to support growing families.
• Reimbursement for learning and development initiatives to empower professional growth.