Operational Excellence Manager

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. 

Quest 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.

This 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.

Location: Remote.  Travel potentially Quarterly.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to meet AS9100, customer, and internal requirements.
• Manage the internal audit program and lead preparation for external AS9100 audits and certification reviews.
• Maintain quality processes, documentation, and training across the organization.
• Lead the review and resolution of quality issues, using root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent repeat problems.
• Lead LEAN and continuous improvement efforts, including Kaizen events, waste reduction, and process improvement projects.
• Develop and improve standard work practices, workflows, and tools to make processes more efficient and consistent.
• Map and review business processes to identify delays, gaps, and areas for improvement across teams.
• Work with leaders and cross-functional teams to put process improvements in place and ensure changes are documented, understood, and followed.
• Provide training on quality standards, LEAN practices, problem-solving methods, and audit readiness.
• Develop and track quality and process performance measures, dashboards, and KPIs with the BI/DataOps team.
• Review audit results, quality trends, and performance data to measure results and identify further improvement opportunities.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 5-10 years of experience as an operational excellence manager or in a similar operational excellence or quality leadership role
• Conduct 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.
• Formal training in LEAN, Six Sigma, Quality Management or AS9100   
• Experience leading cross functional process improvement initiatives
• Strong facilitation skills to lead workshops, audits, and process mapping sessions
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution
• Experience with lean methodologies, including Kaizen events, waste reduction, and continuous improvement cycles
• Experience with standard lean practices such as value stream mapping, standard work, visual management, and cycle time analysis
• Experience facilitating process mapping sessions using SOPIC, swim lanes, or RASCI to document and redesign workflows
• Experience leading quality management initiatives

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Formal certification in LEAN, Six Sigma, Quality Management or AS9100
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage 

At 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.  

What You’ll Find Here  

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.  

• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.  

• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.  

Benefits Include  

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. 

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

At 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.

Quest 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.

This 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.