Director, Supplier Quality

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. Purpose The  Director of Supplier Quality  leads the development and execution of  Divergent ’s   global supplier quality strategy.  This role  is responsible for  ensuring that all externally sourced components, materials, and services meet stringent quality, reliability, and performance standards—spanning  prototype  through full-rate production.   You will build and scale supplier quality systems  appropriate for  a high-growth, advanced manufacturing environment, while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement across a diverse and evolving supply base.   This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic quality management, deep technical engagement with suppliers, cross-functional collaboration, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a highly dynamic, fast-growth environment, and bring both startup grit and world-class manufacturing discipline.   The Role Key Responsibilities   Supplier Quality Strategy, Governance & Operating Model Architect and deploy a  scalable supplier quality operating system  that supports:    Low-volume, high-complexity builds    Scalable, repeatable production    Additive manufacturing infrastructure   Define supplier segmentation strategy (strategic, critical, developmental, transactional) with differentiated quality engagement models.    Establish  quality governance forums  (e.g., Supplier Quality Council, cross-functional escalation reviews).    Develop multi-year roadmap for supplier quality maturity aligned with company growth (prototype → industrialization → scale).    Own end-to-end supplier quality policies, procedures, and standard work.    Drive digitization of supplier quality processes (QMS tools, real-time dashboards, supplier portals).    Supplier Selection, Qualification & Industrialization Partner with sourcing during  RFQ and supplier  selection  to evaluate:    Technical capability    Process maturity    Capacity and scalability    Quality system robustness    Lead  supplier risk assessments  (technical, operational, geopolitical, financial).    Define and execute  supplier qualification frameworks , including:    Pre-award audits (process, quality system, manufacturing readiness)    Capability studies and run-at-rate validations    Drive  industrialization readiness  for new suppliers:    Manufacturing process validation    Tooling and fixture qualification    Special process validation (heat treatment, additive, composites, machining, etc.)    Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Execution Own supplier-side APQP execution across all programs and customers.    Ensure robust completion and approval of:    Design reviews and supplier feasibility commitments    Process Flow Diagrams aligned to actual manufacturing steps    PFMEA with high-risk failure modes mitigated prior to SOP    Control Plans tied to critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics    Drive  Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)  submissions at appropriate levels:    Validate dimensional results, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and material certifications    Ensure alignment with engineering specifications and performance requirements    Establish  launch readiness criteria  and enforce strict entry/exit gates for suppliers.    Supplier Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Define and operationalize  supplier scorecards , including:    PPM (defects)    On-time delivery (OTD)    Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)    Responsiveness and corrective action closure time    Lead  monthly/quarterly business reviews (MBRs/QBRs)  with strategic suppliers.    Drive structured  supplier improvement programs , including:    Lean manufacturing implementation    Six Sigma projects    Yield and throughput optimization    Develop and deploy  supplier development roadmaps  for underperforming or strategic partners.    Own escalation process for chronic supplier issues, including executive-level interventions.    Nonconformance Management, Root Cause & Corrective Actions Establish a  closed-loop nonconformance management system  across incoming, in-process, and field issues.    Lead critical supplier quality issue resolution using:    8D methodology    5 Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone), fault tree analysis    Ensure true root cause identification (escape point + occurrence cause), not superficial fixes.    Validate effectiveness of corrective actions through data and audit.    Partner with internal teams to manage:    Supplier containment actions    Line disruptions and recovery plans    Field failures and warranty-related supplier issues    Incoming Quality & Risk-Based Inspection Strategy Design and implement  risk-based incoming inspection frameworks , including:    Dock-to-stock programs for high-performing suppliers    Increased inspection for new or underperforming suppliers    Define inspection plans based on:    Criticality of components (safety, structural, performance)    S