Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manager

Leidos · San Diego, CA · $92,300.00 - $166,850.00 · onsite Leidos' Undersea Systems Division is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manager in San Diego, CA to join a fast-paced Research & Development (R&D) engineering group supporting innovative underwater vehicle systems, maritime sensors, subsea telemetry, and ISR solutions at Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC). This is not a traditional quality management role. We are looking for a hands-on quality leader and process architect who thrives on building structure where processes are still evolving or have yet to be established. Rather than simply maintaining an existing quality framework, this individual will take ownership of creating, developing, documenting, implementing, and continuously improving quality management processes and systems. Work Schedule: This position requires onsite work at NIWC Pacific on a 9/80B schedule (80 hours worked over nine days within a two-week period, allowing for every other Friday off) to align with the NIWC government team. Responsibilities: Build and Establish Quality Processes: Create, develop and implement quality management processes, procedures, and controls in an evolving R&D environment where established frameworks may be limited or nonexistent. Author Technical Documentation: Independently create/develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), Test Plans, Acceptance Criteria Matrices, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEAs), and other essential quality documentation. Evaluate and Formalize Existing Practices: Assess current engineering, testing, assembly, and integration workflows to identify process gaps, formalize existing practices, and establish consistent, repeatable procedures. Bridge R&D to Production: Design and implement scalable quality checkpoints and control gates that support the transition from exploratory R&D prototypes to disciplined, repeatable low volume manufacturing. Drive Process Improvement: Apply Lean/Six Sigma methodologies and root cause analysis techniques to improve operational efficiency, reduce quality risks, and strengthen process reliability without compromising military specifications. Quality Assurance & Compliance Compliance Oversight: Establish and oversee quality controls that ensure project activities, from initial design reviews through final deployment, adhere to applicable Navy/DoD standards, internal guidelines, and industry best practices. Technical Quality Assessment: Create, develop and oversee quality assurance processes for two integrated system areas: vehicle systems and sensor payloads. Auditing & Corrective Actions: Establish and conduct systematic internal audits of processes and finished systems. Develop and maintain traceable documentation of quality deviations, corrective actions, and preventive measures to support continuous improvement and compliance. Leadership, Training & Risk Management Quality Training & Mentorship: Develop and lead training initiatives to ensure technical personnel understand and consistently apply newly established QA/QC procedures, documentation standards, and compliance requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production leads, engineers, and technical subject matter experts to establish practical, effective quality processes that balance rapid R&D progress with disciplined production requirements. Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively identify technical, procedural, and operational risks, including single points of failure (SPOFs), and implement systemic controls to prevent quality issues from impacting mission readiness or project schedules. Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement: Take a proactive, hands-on approach to resolving complex quality challenges, implementing sustainable improvements, and adapting processes as program requirements evolve. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field with a minim