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Director Quality Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Astra Space, Inc.

Director, Quality

Alameda, CA · On-site

$211K - $250K/yr

The Opportunity As the Founding Director of Quality and Mission Assurance, you will be the ultimate owner of reliability and risk management for all our space hardware programs. You will build and ...

Baxter Healthcare

Associate Director, Quality

Hayward, CA · On-site

$160 - $220/hr

Direct large-scale programs and departmental initiatives in support of division-wide and company-wide objectives. * Maintain accountability for product quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence ...

Baxter

Associate Director, Quality

Hayward, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Direct large-scale programs and departmental initiatives in support of division-wide and company-wide objectives. * Maintain accountability for product quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence ...

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Director Quality information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$34.6K

$140.4K

$238.6K

How much do director quality jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director quality in San Ramon, CA is $140,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $168,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of quality do?

A Director of Quality oversees the quality assurance and quality control processes within an organization to ensure that products or services meet established standards and regulatory requirements. They develop and implement quality management systems, lead teams responsible for inspections and audits, and work closely with other departments to promote continuous improvement. The Director of Quality also analyzes quality data, manages compliance with industry regulations, and often interacts with customers or external auditors to address quality concerns.

How does a director of quality typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives?

A Director of Quality plays a key role in partnering with departments such as manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and regulatory affairs to identify and resolve process inefficiencies and ensure compliance with quality standards. They often lead cross-functional meetings, facilitate root cause analyses, and champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices and quality tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies. Effective communication and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels are essential, as the Director of Quality ensures that all departments are aligned with organizational quality goals and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of quality, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Director of Quality, you need extensive knowledge in quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and process improvement, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with tools such as Six Sigma, ISO standards, and quality auditing software, along with certifications like CQE or Six Sigma Black Belt, is typical. Exceptional leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for driving quality initiatives and leading cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure organizational standards are upheld, continuous improvement is achieved, and regulatory risks are minimized.

What is the difference between Director Quality vs Quality Manager?

AspectDirector QualityQuality Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Quality Management, Engineering, or related field; certifications like ASQ CQE or CQABachelor's in Quality, Engineering, or related; certifications like ASQ CQE or CQA often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in quality initiatives, overseeing multiple departments or sitesOperational focus, managing daily quality processes and teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and industries with complex quality systemsCommon in manufacturing, production, and service industries

The main difference between a Director Quality and a Quality Manager lies in their scope and strategic focus. The Director Quality typically oversees the entire quality program at a higher level, setting policies and long-term goals, while the Quality Manager handles daily operations and implements quality procedures. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their responsibilities and strategic influence differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA?

For Director Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Quality jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Director Quality jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Director Quality job openings:

Director Quality jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Quality job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,361 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Director, Quality

Alameda, CA • On-site

Astra Space, Inc.
See more jobs at Astra Space, Inc.external

$211K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry's leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The Opportunity
As the Founding Director of Quality and Mission Assurance, you will be the ultimate owner of reliability and risk management for all our space hardware programs. You will build and scale the company's entire quality organization, instilling a culture of mission success throughout the product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to integration and delivery. This role requires a hands-on, strategic leader with deep expertise in aerospace quality standards and the proven ability to proactively manage complex risks in a fast-paced, high-stakes startup environment.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
Mission Assurance Strategy and Leadership
  • Mission Risk Management: Establish and own the company's Mission Assurance strategy, working with program management and engineering to perform risk assessments and identify, mitigate, and track all mission-critical risks.
  • Design and Build Assurance: Implement a Design Assurance program to ensure quality, reliability, and safety are integrated into product design from the earliest stages, in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., NASA, DOD) and contractual requirements.
  • Reliability and System Safety: Develop and oversee reliability engineering activities, including risk and failure analysis, and lead the System Safety program to identify and mitigate hazards associated with the hardware.
  • Failure Review Board: Lead the Failure Review Board (FRB) for all significant program anomalies and failures, ensuring robust root cause analysis and effective implementation of corrective actions.
  • Independent Review: Act as the independent reviewer for program execution, participating in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and program audits to provide critical analysis and ensure a path to mission success.

Quality Management System (QMS) and Operations
  • QMS Implementation: Develop, deploy, and maintain a comprehensive QMS in preparation for AS9100 certification and other relevant space-specific quality standards.
  • Supplier Quality: Lead the supplier quality management program, ensuring suppliers of critical parts and processes meet stringent space-grade quality standards. Engage in supplier technical reviews and audits.
  • Process and Production Quality: Implement process controls and oversee all aspects of hardware quality during manufacturing, assembly, and test, including non-conformance management and material review boards (MRB).
  • Continuous Improvement: Champion a continuous improvement culture, utilizing methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, to enhance processes and overall product quality and reliability.

Team Leadership and Culture
  • Organizational Growth: Build, lead, mentor, and grow the quality and mission assurance team, scaling the organization to support the company's growth trajectory.
  • Training and Development: Develop and implement mission assurance and quality training programs for engineers, technicians, and managers across the company.
  • Customer Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality and mission assurance representatives, building trusted relationships and ensuring clear communication.

Why We Value You
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years of experience in quality and mission assurance within the aerospace, defense, or space industry.
  • Proven experience leading the implementation of a QMS, preferably in a manufacturing startup
  • Extensive experience with Mission Assurance concepts, including risk management, reliability engineering, and system safety.
  • Strong knowledge of industry standards such as AS9100 and familiarity with government standards and guidelines (e.g., NASA, DOD).
  • Demonstrate ability to perform robust root cause analysis and lead effective corrective action efforts.

Desired Multipliers
  • Master's degree in an engineering or technical discipline.
  • Experience with NADCAP accreditation for special processes.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).
  • Experience interacting with government agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD) on mission assurance and quality issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act tactically in a dynamic startup environment.
  • A "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude with a passion for building something from the ground up.

The pay range for this role is: $211,564-250,000
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

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