Head of Quality & Compliance

POSITION SUMMARY The Head of Quality is a senior leadership position responsible for establishing, implementing, and maturing all quality management functions across Atropos Group's development and production operations. This role is the company's primary quality authority and will serve as the central driver of the Production Approval process — leading the quality system infrastructure, processes, and organizational readiness required to achieve an FAA Production Certificate (PC). The Head of Quality will build and lead a high-performing quality organization from the ground up, shaping the culture, systems, and procedures necessary to support production certification activities, entry into service, and long-term operational excellence in a highly regulated aerospace environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FAA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATION & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE * Serve as the company's primary quality authority and key point of contact for all FAA Production Certificate (PC) activities * Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) to satisfy FAA PC requirements under 14 CFR Part 21 * Coordinate directly with FAA personnel and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) throughout the PC application and approval process * Develop and maintain the Production Approval Holder (PAH) quality manual, quality procedures, and associated command media in support of PC issuance * Support Type Certificate (TC) activities by ensuring that design-to-production traceability, conformity inspections, and first article evaluations are executed in compliance with FAA requirements * Monitor and interpret applicable FAA regulations, policy updates, and airworthiness directives for impact on quality processes and production readiness * Lead internal and external quality audits in support of FAA oversight, including responses to findings and implementation of corrective actions QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) DEVELOPMENT & MAINTENANCE * Architect and implement a scalable, AS9100D-aligned QMS that supports both current development activities and future high-rate production * Establish and maintain the full suite of quality procedures, work instructions, and forms constituting the company's quality command media structure * Drive QMS integration across all functional areas including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management * Develop and maintain Quality plans for all major programs, ensuring appropriate inspection, verification, and validation gates are defined and executed * Own the internal audit program, including scheduling, execution, corrective action tracking, and management review inputs * Establish and monitor quality KPIs and metrics to provide leadership with visibility into system health and performance trends * Lead periodic Management Review processes and provide executive leadership with quality system status reports and improvement recommendations * Ensure seamless integration between the QMS and the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), establishing clear interfaces between quality processes and the four SMS components defined under 14 CFR Part 5 (Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion) * Collaborate with the SMS program manager to ensure that nonconformance data, CAPA outcomes, and audit findings feed into the SMS Safety Assurance function, supporting hazard identification, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring obligations under Part 5 * Support development of integrated QMS/SMS documentation architecture to avoid duplication, ensure traceability across both systems, and present a cohesive compliance posture to the FAA during PC and SMS acceptance activities PRODUCTION QUALITY & NONCONFORMANCE MANAGEMENT * Establish and lead all production quality functions including receiving inspection, in-process inspection, and final acceptance activities * Own and administer the Material Review Board (MRB) process, including disposition of nonconforming materials, components, and assemblies * Develop and implement robust nonconformance reporting (NCR) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes that drive root cause elimination * Ensure First Article Inspection (FAI) processes comply with AS9102 requirements and support the TC/PC certification record * Implement statistical process control (SPC) and other data-driven quality tools to monitor production process stability and capability * Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to establish and enforce inspection points, acceptance criteria, and product definition compliance checkpoints * Develop and maintain test and inspection records management systems to support airworthiness documentation and regulatory traceability SUPPLIER QUALITY MANAGEMENT * Establish and oversee the supplier quality program, including qualification, surveillance, and performance management for the approved supplier list (ASL) * Define and implement supplier quality requirements, flow-down clauses, and quality purchase order terms aligned with AS9100D and FAA regulations * Lead supplier audits and assessments, including delegation of Supplier Source Inspection where required * Manage supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of supplier-originated nonconformances * Collaborate with Supply Chain on supplier selection, risk assessment, and development initiatives to build a capable and compliant supplier base TEAM LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT * Build, lead, and develop a high-performing quality organization scaled to meet the demands of the production ramp and PC certification milestones * Establish organizational structure, roles, and hiring plan for the quality function in alignment with the overall manufacturing headcount roadmap * Foster a culture of quality consciousness, accountability, and continuous improvement across the entire organization * Implement talent development programs, training curricula, and succession planning for key quality positions * Serve as a senior voice for quality in cross-functional forums, program reviews, and executive-level discussions QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Systems, or a related technical field required * Master's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or Business Administration preferred * Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent highly desirable EXPERIENCE * Minimum 12 years of progressive quality experience, with at least 5 years in senior quality leadership roles within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing * Demonstrated experience leading or directly supporting an FAA Production Certificate application and approval process * Deep working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21 (Production Approval), Part 43, and related FAA regulatory frameworks governing production quality * Hands-on experience developing and implementing AS9100D-compliant QMS from an early-stage or startup manufacturing environment strongly preferred * Proven track record managing MRB authority, nonconformance disposition, and CAPA programs in a production environment * Experience conducting and managing internal and supplier quality audits, including corrective action follow-up * Background in First Article Inspection (AS9102), acceptance test procedures, and production conformity documentation * Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance requirements and their implications for quality records management and data handling TECHNICAL SKILLS * Expert knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21 Production Approval requirements and FAA PC certification processes * Strong working knowledge of AS9100D Quality Management System requirements and audit methodology * Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements and conformity documentation standards * Proficiency with quality management tools including FMEA, SPC, Root Cause Analysis, and related methodologies * Experience with PLM and MES systems in a production environment; familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter or equivalent preferred * Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; ability to translate quality data into actionable insights for leadership   LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES * Exceptional ability to build quality organizations and systems from early-stage foundations toward full production readiness * Strategic thinker who can balance near-term certification deliverables with long-term system maturity goals * Strong communicator and collaborator capable of engaging credibly with FAA personnel, executive leadership, and production teams alike * Decisive and technically grounded — able to make sound risk acceptance decisions under pressure * Change agent mindset with demonstrated ability to drive quality culture in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment * High integrity and attention to detail; models the standard of compliance and rigor expected of the broader organization * Effective mentor and people developer committed to building lasting organizational quality capability WORKING CONDITIONS * Professional office and manufacturing environment; regular presence on the production floor expected as facilities come online * Domestic travel required (up to 20-30%) for supplier visits/audits, FAA meetings, and industry engagements * Initially remote with transition to on-site at Atropos manufacturing headquarters; exact location to be determined in connection with facility site selection * May require extended hours during critical certification milestones, audit preparation periods, or production launch activities * Must be authorized to work in the United States; ability to work with ITAR-controlled technical data required

WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT: Any company can tell you about how they are a multi award winning, market leading business and yes, we are both of those things in the world of IoT connectivity!  But we’re more than that. 🌍✨ Our mission? To make IoT management a breeze for any device, anywhere. With over 10 million IoT subscriptions active in 165 countries and direct partnerships with 50 mobile networks, we connect you to more than 750 networks worldwide, delivering unmatched value across the IoT connectivity chain. Innovation is in our DNA, and we have an insatiable hunger to ‘wow’! 🚀 While we may not always get it right, our drive to collaborate, innovate, and achieve top-notch customer satisfaction never wavers. We offer industry expertise, stellar service support, and the most flexible, resilient, and secure connectivity solutions on the market. Our expertise spans across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, healthcare, security, transport, utilities, and smart cities. IOT… A FANCY ACRONYM OR A SECRET CODE? The Internet of Things (IoT) is like the magical glue that keeps the world connected! 🌐✨ From ordering your favourite takeaway to the ANPR technology that helps you find a parking spot, IoT is everywhere—even if you don’t realize it. At Wireless Logic, we provide cutting-edge connectivity solutions and technologies to ensure a vast array of devices stay seamlessly connected. Head of Quality Engineering  As Head of Quality Engineering at Wireless Logic, you will provide Engineering-wide leadership for how we build confidence in the systems and software that support our connectivity services. This is a strategic role focused on helping teams deliver modern, highly available connectivity systems quickly, safely and with clear evidence that quality has been considered throughout the delivery lifecycle.  You will report to the VP Engineering and partner closely with Engineering Managers, Engineering Leads, Product Managers, Delivery Managers, Architects, Site Reliability Engineers and senior leaders across Software, Mobile Core, Networks and Infrastructure. The existing Test Engineers in the Software group will report to this role and remain embedded in product squads, while you build a broader Quality Engineering capability that supports all Engineering domains.  This role is not about creating a separate testing function that owns quality on behalf of teams. It is about setting the strategy, standards, practices, tooling and measures that enable every Engineering team to improve release confidence, reduce escaped defects, strengthen auditability and increase the capability to deliver system changes quickly and safely.   Success will be measured by visible improvements in quality outcomes and delivery flow, including reduced rework and manual regression effort, improved test coverage and release readiness, better visibility of escaped defects and quality-related incidents, and stronger evidence for audit and governance across Engineering.  This role is focused on:  * Engineering-wide quality strategy: Defining and implementing a clear Quality Engineering vision, roadmap and set of standards that can be applied consistently across software, mobile core, networks and infrastructure while respecting the specialist needs of each domain.  * Fast and safe delivery: Working with Senior Engineering Leaders, improving the ability of Engineering teams to release changes frequently and confidently by embedding quality practices into discovery, design, build, test, release and operational readiness activities.  * Consistent standards and evidence: Establishing shared expectations for test strategy, acceptance criteria, automation, regression, release readiness, test evidence and quality gates so that teams can demonstrate what has been tested and why it is safe to proceed.  * Quality capability and community: Leading and developing Test Engineers, building a clear career path and creating a professional Quality Engineering community across Wireless Logic and the European operating companies.  * Quality metrics and continuous improvement: Creating transparent measures for escaped defects, defect trends, change failure rate, regression cycle time, test coverage, release confidence and quality-related incidents, then using those measures to drive practical improvement.  * Cross-domain quality leadership: Extending quality practices beyond Software Development into Infrastructure, Mobile Core and Networks by working with domain experts to introduce appropriate test approaches, scenario testing and release controls.  What a Head of Quality Engineering Does  * Define and own the Quality Engineering strategy: Create, publish and evolve the Engineering-wide Quality Engineering vision, strategy and implementation roadmap, ensuring it supports the wider Technology strategy and the need for highly available connectivity services.  * Lead and develop Test Engineers: Provide line management, coaching, performance support and career development for Test Engineers, ensuring they have clear expectations, strong professional standards and meaningful opportunities to grow.  * Establish common quality standards: Define practical standards for test strategies, acceptance criteria, test data, automation, regression, exploratory testing, non-functional testing, release readiness and evidence capture across Engineering teams.  * Improve release confidence and change safety: Partner with Engineering, Delivery, Architecture and SRE leaders to make releases safer through risk-based testing, automated verification, scenario testing, pre-release checks, operational readiness criteria and rollback learning.  * Measure and improve quality outcomes: Define meaningful baselines and reporting for defect trends, escaped defects, change failure rate, regression cycle time, test coverage, release confidence, quality-related incidents and rework, using the data to focus improvement effort.  * Drive automation and repeatability: Increase the use of automated testing and repeatable validation practices across appropriate layers, including unit, integration, API, contract, end-to-end, performance, resilience and deployment verification.  * Strengthen governance and auditability: Ensure testing criteria, approvals, evidence and release decisions are visible, traceable and consistently documented so that Engineering can meet audit, compliance and internal governance expectations.  * Facilitate learning from defects and incidents: Use defect analysis, post-incident reviews and operational feedback to identify systemic quality issues, improve test strategies and prevent repeat failures across teams and domains.  * Influence through partnership: Work through leadership, coaching and influence with Product, Delivery, Engineering, Architecture, SRE and operational stakeholders, helping teams make good quality decisions without slowing delivery unnecessarily.  Essential Knowledge  * Quality Engineering leadership: Deep practical understanding of modern Quality Engineering practices, with experience shaping quality strategy, standards and operating models across multiple teams or domains.  * Test strategy and automation: Strong knowledge of risk-based testing, automation strategy, regression design, exploratory testing, test data, test environments and appropriate use of unit, integration, API, contract, end-to-end, performance and resilience testing.  * Modern engineering delivery: Experience working with contemporary software and systems delivery practices including Agile and Lean delivery, DevSecOps, CI/CD, trunk-based development, automated deployment and continuous improvement.  * Reliability and availability principles: Understanding of how quality practices support highly available systems, including change failure reduction, incident prevention, operational readiness, observability, SLOs and post-incident learning.  * Metrics-driven improvement: Ability to define, collect and interpret quality and delivery metrics such as escaped defects, defect leakage, change failure rate, lead time, regression cycle time, test coverage, deployment confidence and quality-related incidents.  * Cross-domain technology awareness: Sufficient understanding of software, infrastructure, networking, mobile core platforms, cloud services, automation and deployment pipelines to work credibly with domain experts and tailor quality practices to different technical contexts.  * Governance, risk and auditability: Knowledge of how to create clear evidence trails, acceptance standards, release controls and quality gates that support audit, compliance and sensible risk management without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.  * People leadership and capability building: Experience leading, coaching and developing engineers or test professionals, including performance management, hiring input, career development and building strong professional communities.  * Stakeholder management and influence: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align technical and non-technical stakeholders around quality risks, trade-offs, priorities and measurable outcomes.  * Change leadership: Experience introducing new practices, tools or operating models in complex environments, with the judgement to balance consistency, pragmatism, adoption effort and delivery pressure.  We know the world has changed, and we want to offer our employees the chance to collaborate at our unique office spaces, whilst enjoying the convenience of working from home. We've adopted a hybrid working approach to give more flexibility on where and how we work. You'll find out more about what this means for this role during the recruitment process, but we are currently excited to have our employees experience our office culture as much as possible.   Wireless Logic Group unites and brings people together. We accomplish this when we lead with a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. As a global company that drives culture we aim to reflect the world’s diverse voices both internally and externally to ensure success in our mission.   By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to hold and process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your right to access, erase or restrict the holding or processing of your data please contact us (recruitment@wirelesslogic.com [recruitment@wirelesslogic.com]) and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.