Senior Director Quality Assurance - SkyWater Technology

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Quality Assurance will lead the development and execution of SkyWater Technology’s Quality Management System (QMS), supporting quality initiatives across the organization. This role requires a strong focus on serving both internal and external customers while fostering collaboration with Central Engineering and Manufacturing Operations. The successful candidate will bring expertise in quality management, a passion for continuous improvement, and strong leadership skills, with the ability to drive results through indirect influence. This is a full-time permanent position based in Minneapolis, MN, with consideration for short-term remote work. We seek an innovative and resourceful leader with a strong sense of urgency, capable of balancing immediate tactical needs with long-term strategic objectives.

Responsibilities:

Quality Management System: Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of SkyWater Technology’s QMS to support internal processes and meet external customer requirements. Supervise the Quality Processes, including, but not limited to, document control, supplier quality assurance, internal and external audits, design quality, customer quality, and quality compliance.

Collaboration: Partner with Central Engineering and Manufacturing Operations to align quality initiatives with engineering processes and production goals.

Customer Focus:

o External: Ensure quality processes meet customer requirements and drive customer satisfaction throughout the product lifecycle.

o Internal: Collaborate across teams to optimize internal processes, address quality concerns, and support operational excellence.

Leadership: Influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders through indirect leadership, building strong relationships to drive a culture of quality.

Audits and Compliance: Act as the primary quality representative during external audits (customer and third-party certifications) and internal quality reviews.

Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement, corrective actions, and standardization in collaboration with internal teams.

Quality Metrics: Establish and monitor key quality metrics to track progress and support data-driven decision-making.

Communication:

o Facilitate clear and effective communication between quality, engineering, operations, and customers.

o Provide regular updates on quality metrics and improvement initiatives during Management Review meetings.

Team Development: Mentor and guide quality team members, fostering accountability and continuous learning.

The job also requires performing other duties as assigned. Percentages of time spent on job duties are estimates and may vary for each position.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Material Science, Physics or other relevant engineering discipline.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 10 years of Quality Assurance experience, including at least 6 years in a leadership role with direct reports.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments, including engineering and operations, to achieve quality objectives.

• Demonstrated expertise in fostering and maintaining a customer-focused, pro-active quality culture.

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to lead indirectly and build consensus.

• Proven creativity and experience in planning, developing, and executing Quality Systems in a dynamic environment.

• Expertise in quality standards and certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, and ISO 13485).

• Demonstrated knowledge of AIAG, and VDA 6.3.

• Experience with quality improvement methodologies such as corrective and preventive actions, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

• Strong analytical, statistical, and technical writing skills.

• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or a related discipline.

Experience and Skills:

• Previous experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing.

• Familiarity with development processes and innovation-driven environments.

• Expertise in automotive, aerospace & defense, or medical industries.

• Experience negotiating quality-related contractual requirements.

• Knowledge of ESD protocols and cleanroom standards.

U.S. Person Required:

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc. subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applications must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

The annual salary range for this role is $221,040.00 - $331,560.00. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.