Optical General Manager Jobs in Cullman, AL (NOW HIRING)

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience to meet managerial expectations. J-STD_001, 002, IPC 610, MIL-STD-883, or NASA std's certification may be required within 30 days of hire.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Developing mission-critical systems that help keep people safe is what we do. At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you'll be part of the team that helps heroes make a true impact. The work we do is important. The challenges we face are career-defining. The opportunity we can offer is one-of-a-kind.
We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and Quantum Physics to solve our customers' missions in cyber, RF, undersea, interstellar and everything in between.
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
As a Quality Supervisor for General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) Precision Structures & Optics (PSO) located in Cullman, AL, you'll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for leading and directing a team of non-exempt inspection personnel in the performance of quality control and verification activities across all phases of production. This position ensures that all hardware, assemblies, and processes conform to applicable engineering drawings, specifications, contract requirements, and regulatory standards. The Quality Supervisor serves as a critical link between the Quality organization and production operations, providing hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and continuous improvement support in a fast-paced aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. At General Dynamics Mission Systems we manufacture Beryllium products for use in the most demanding applications, across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. Our products are used in high performance sensing systems for targeting and acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and are hardened for the battlefield environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities will include the following:

• Oversee all incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities to ensure product conformance to drawings, specifications, and contract requirements
• Ensure inspection personnel are properly trained and qualified to use precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
• Verify proper interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standards
• Authorize and review inspection documentation, First Article Inspection (FAI) records, and traveler packages
• Manage the identification, documentation, segregation, and disposition of nonconforming material through the Material Review Board (MRB) process
• Lead or support root cause and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Track and report quality metrics including defect rates, scrap, rework, and first-pass yield; drive actions to improve performance trends
• Ensure compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS9100 and applicable customer and government requirements
• Support internal and external audits, including customer and government source inspection activities
• Maintain and update work instructions, inspection procedures, and quality records in compliance with document control requirements
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce inspection cycle time, eliminate waste, and improve product quality
• Participate in or lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, kaizen events, and cross-functional quality improvement teams
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality issues and support on-time delivery
• Directly supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate a team of non-exempt Quality inspectors across on or more shifts
• Manage daily work assignments, scheduling, and staffing allocations to meet production inspection demands
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide timely feedback, and support employee development and training plans
• Address employee relations matters including attendance, conduct, and performance in accordance with company policy and HR guidelines
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and quality excellence

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 / AS9100 and/or CMMI quality management standards
• Familiarity with military specifications and government quality assurance requirements
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawing interpretation, and technical specifications
• Knowledge of First Article Inspection requirements
• Proficiency in using quality inspection tools and precision measurement equipment
• Strong data analysis skills; ability to compile and interpret quality metrics and performance dashboards
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear inspection procedures, reports, and corrective action documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise quality/ERP systems
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to make sound independent decisions related to product conformance and workforce management
• Ability to work collaboratively across organizational functions at all levels
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex engineering documentation and regulatory requirements
• Ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance team culture

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning a development
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is fully on-site.
While on-site, you will be a part of the Cullman, AL facility
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $107,278.00 - USD $119,011.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans