Director of Quality

ProSearch is partnering with fellow Maine ESOP, Kennebec Technologies, to recruit a Director of Quality for its fully on-site manufacturing operation in Augusta, Maine. Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving quality strategy, ensuring compliance, and supporting long-term success in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader with strong people management experience and deep knowledge of AS9100 or comparable aerospace, automotive, or medical device standards. This role offers high visibility, meaningful influence, and long-term stability for qualified candidates.Kennebec Technologies is a privately held precision manufacturing company based in Augusta, Maine, with more than 40 years of experience producing complex, tight-tolerance machined components and sub-assemblies for industries such as defense, aerospace, semiconductor, naval, and commercial manufacturing. The company operates a 24,000 square-foot climate-controlled facility, using advanced multi-axis CNC milling, turning, grinding, and mill-turn technology. Kennebec Technologies is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR registered, and committed to lean manufacturing, quality, and on-time delivery. Employees work in a stable, team-oriented environment that values craftsmanship, technical expertise, safety, and long-term career growth.Why This Director of Quality Role MattersThis position is mission-critical to ensuring Kennebec Technologies consistently delivers conforming products and services while meeting strict customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Quality is not a support function here. It is central to how the business operates, grows, and earns customer trust.In this role, you will lead quality strategy, manage a capable and experienced team, and personally guide the organization through demanding external audits. These include a major annual AS9100 audit, NADCAP audits, and frequent customer audits. Your leadership as Director of Quality has a direct impact on operational continuity, customer confidence, and long-term business success.Work Environment and ValuesKennebec Technologies is known for its people-first culture and long-term approach. The organization values teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect for different perspectives. Leaders are encouraged to speak up, support their teams, and balance high standards with an approachable, professional environment.ResponsibilitiesThis role is a strong fit for a hands-on quality leader who brings: Proven management experience leading quality teamsManufacturing experience in a highly regulated industry, including aerospace, medical device, or automotiveDirect, hands-on quality management experience beyond high-level oversightExceptional communication skills with customers, auditors, and cross-functional teamsAs Director of Quality, you will have ownership and accountability across the full quality function.Team Leadership and Cross-Functional PartnershipPromote company core values, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvementQuality System LeadershipChampion, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management SystemPartner closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, and executive leadership to proactively manage riskAudit and Customer InterfaceLead semi-annual AS Management Reviews, including documentation and action follow-upManage internal audit activities to support ongoing AS9100 certificationOwn quality planning for product development, inspection, and releaseTrack, trend, and analyze key quality and inspection metrics to drive decision-makingLead strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, productivity, and quality outcomesEnsure compliance with customer, regulatory, and statutory requirementsOwn customer-initiated nonconformance investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actionsServe as the primary quality contact for key customers and external auditorsThe Director of Quality’s Team3 direct reports1 Quality Planner1 Quality Engineer/Programmer1 Quality SupervisorThe Quality Supervisor manages a team of 7 inspectors across first and second shiftThe team includes a mix of tenured employees and newer talent and is positioned well for strong leadership and developmentRequirements/QualificationsQuality Leadership and ManagementDemonstrated leadership in manufacturing quality, with at least five years of experienceProven ability to lead and develop quality teams while maintaining high standards and accountabilityHands-on experience owning and operating within a Quality Management System, not limited to oversightRegulated Manufacturing ExpertiseComfort operating in audit-driven environments and engaging directly with customers and external auditorsExperience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment, with deep familiarity in at least one of the following:AS9100 / AS9100D (Aerospace), strongly preferredSimilar transferable experience such as IATF 16949 (Automotive) or ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) is preferredProfessional Skills and EducationBachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experienceExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to represent the organization externallyStrong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment in high-accountability situationsReady to Lead Quality Where It Truly Matters?If you are an experienced quality leader who thrives in regulated manufacturing, values being closely connected to operations, and wants a visible leadership role with direct influence on business performance, this opportunity merits consideration. This fully on-site role in Augusta, Maine offers the chance to lead quality where it truly matters, with strong executive partnership and a team positioned for success. Apply through ProSearch Staffing to learn more about this Director of Quality role at Kennebec Technologies.