Quality Director

Location: Austin, TexasDepartment: OperationsReports to: SVP Operations and Supply ChainType: Full-TimeAbout HydroGraphHydroGraph is a hyper-growth advanced materials company scaling pristine, high-performance graphene via its patented Hyperion detonation technology. With more than 70 active commercial projects, a growing global footprint, and industry-leading material quality (99.8% pure graphene), HydroGraph is building the next generation of engineered materials for coatings, composites, and energy storage. Our new Austin HQ will serve as the flagship center for innovation, applied R&D, customer engagement, and rapid material development.Role OverviewThe Quality Director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's quality management system, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. This strategic position leads quality assurance and quality control initiatives across all operations to enhance product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.CompetenciesStrategic Quality LeadershipDevelop and implement comprehensive quality strategies aligned with organizational goals and industry best practicesEstablish quality vision, mission, and objectives that support business growth and customer satisfactionLead the modification and maintenance of the existing Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure alignment with the organization during the growth of the company.Define quality metrics, KPIs, and dashboards to monitor organizational performancePartner with executive leadership to integrate quality principles into strategic planningAllocate resources and budgets to support quality initiatives and improvement projectsQuality Management System & Compliance Ensure QMS compliance with relevant standards (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO14001, AS9100, etc.)Oversee internal and external audits, managing audit schedules, findings, and corrective actionsMaintain relationships with regulatory bodies and manage regulatory inspectionsLead certification and recertification activities for quality standardsDevelop and enforce quality policies, procedures, and work instructionsMonitor changes in regulatory requirements and ensure organizational complianceQuality Assurance & Control Oversee quality assurance activities including process validation, qualification protocols, and risk assessmentsDirect quality control operations including inspection, testing, and release proceduresEstablish incoming, in-process, and final inspection criteria and acceptance standardsImplement statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools as appropriateManage non-conformance processes, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)Oversee supplier quality management and vendor qualification programsContinuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other methodologiesLead cross-functional teams in quality improvement projects and problem-solving activitiesAnalyze quality data to identify trends, systemic issues, and improvement opportunitiesImplement process optimization strategies to reduce defects, waste, and variationDevelop and track cost of quality metrics including prevention, appraisal, and failure costsFoster a culture of quality awareness and accountability throughout the organizationTeam Leadership & Development Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing quality team including quality techs at multiple sitesConduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support professional developmentEnsure the quality function adapts in organizational structure and responsibilities as the organization growsRecruit and retain top quality talent with appropriate technical expertisePromote cross-training and knowledge sharing within the quality, operations, R&D and supply chain departmentsChampion employee engagement and empowerment in quality initiativesCustomer & Supplier Relations Serve as the primary quality liaison with customers regarding quality issues and requirementsManage customer complaints, lead investigations, and implement corrective actionsOversee supplier quality programs including audits, scorecards, and improvement plansCollaborate with procurement to qualify new suppliers and evaluate supplier performanceLead quality agreements and specifications development with customers and suppliersRisk Management Develop and implement risk-based approaches to quality managementConduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and other risk assessment activitiesEstablish risk mitigation strategies and contingency plansMonitor and report on quality risks to executive leadershipEnsure product safety and manage product recalls or field actions when necessaryDocumentation & Reporting Ensure comprehensive documentation of quality processes, procedures, and recordsPrepare quality reports for executive leadership, board of directors, and regulatory authoritiesMaintain document control systems ensuring version control and accessibilityOversee management review meetings and quality system performance reviewsCommunicate quality performance metrics and improvement initiatives across the organizationQualifications RequiredBachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Life Sciences, or related technical field18+ years of progressive quality management experience with at least 5 years in leadership rolesExtensive knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory requirementsProven track record of leading successful quality initiatives and driving organizational changeStrong understanding of statistical methods, quality tools, and problem-solving techniquesExperience managing and leading large, cross-functional teamsExcellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skillsPreferred Master's degree in Quality Management, Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, or related fieldCertified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) from ASQSix Sigma Master Black Belt or Black Belt certificationISO 9001 Lead Auditor certificationExperience in highly regulated industries (oil and gas, pharmaceutical, medical device, aerospace, automotive, food & beverage)Experience with digital quality management systems and Industry 4.0 technologiesTechnical Skills & Knowledge Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, AS9100, IATF 16949Quality Tools: FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, DOE, 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa DiagramsContinuous Improvement: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Total Quality Management (TQM)Quality Software: Minitab, JMP, ETQ, MasterControl, TrackWise, or similar QMS platformsAuditing: Internal auditing, supplier audits, regulatory inspectionsStatistical Analysis: Hypothesis testing, capability studies, regression analysisKey Competencies Strategic thinking and business acumenChange management and organizational transformationAnalytical and data-driven decision makingExecutive presence and influenceConflict resolution and problem-solvingCross-functional collaboration and relationship buildingCustomer focus and service orientationAttention to detail and process rigorAdaptability and resilienceEthical leadership and integrityCommunication and presentation skills at all organizational levelsCultural awareness and ability to lead diverse teamsWork Environment Leadership-level position with significant organizational influenceOffice-based with regular presence on production floor or operational areasMay require domestic and international travel for audits, customer visits, or regulatory meetingsParticipation in industry conferences, regulatory forums, and professional organizationsFlexibility for occasional after-hours work during audits or critical quality eventsWhy Join HydroGraph Lead the core scientific engine of one of the fastest-growing graphene companies in the world.Shape a next-generation materials platform used across aerospace, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, and defense.Work directly with global partners and world-class advisors (GEIC, OEMs, DoD).Competitive compensation, equity participation, and career advancement as the company scales.