Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in being a strategic leader at UDRI? UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University's commitments to education, research, and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. Established as the research arm of the University of Dayton in 1956, UDRI achieved $3 billion in cumulative sponsored research in 2022. Sponsored research for 2024 alone exceeded $250 million.

The Institute has a tradition of research excellence with an uncompromising commitment to providing customers with quality products while maintaining the highest ethical standards. It is keenly aware that compliance with applicable laws and regulations is an essential condition for performing its business. Its commitment to compliance is based on providing a supportive environment, the integrity of its employees, and their support of the University's policies and applicable laws and regulations of the United States. We invite qualified applicants to apply for our Quality Manager opening!

Reporting to the VP for UDRI, as the Quality Manager at UDRI, you will be pivotal in advancing our Quality Management System (QMS) to meet the needs of all of our focus areas including materials development and testing, digital and systems engineering and advanced manufacturing in support of our customers needs. Your primary focus will be on developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust QMS that aligns with UDRI’s high standards and certifications. The ideal candidate will oversee quality processes throughout the research/development, design, testing and manufacturing phases, leading root cause analysis, corrective actions, and ensuring first-time quality in all we do. Additionally, the ideal candidate will manage non-conformance evaluations & resolutions and drive continuous improvement through training and lean six sigma methodologies.

Your responsibilities include leading ownership of the UDRI QMS, creating and leading a culture where quality is a priority, management reviews, quality audit management, managing change control, and ensuring compliance with established standards. As a leader, the ideal candidate will lead the UDRI Quality team and delegates, guiding their performance, development, and alignment with UDRI’s goals, including the promotion of diversity and respect for all. Your leadership will be key to maintaining UDRI’s reputation for excellence in all of our technology fields.

1. Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, engineering/manufacturing technology, or a related field.
2. 10 years of relevant experience in quality management or related areas
3. 3+ years of experience in aerospace quality or another industrial industry.
4. Experience in setting up or leading manufacturing quality metrics within a structured Quality Management System (QMS).
5. At least 5 years of experience in a structured QMS environment, including responsibilities such as developing, implementing, maintaining, or auditing procedures.
6. Proficiency in root cause analysis and corrective action processes, with experience using associated tools.
7. Working knowledge of non-conformance and non-compliance disposition processes (e.g., Material Review Board processes).
8. Experience with change control and change management in a manufacturing or quality-focused environment.
9. Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, specifications, and reports.
10. Experience in developing and delivering training related to quality systems.
11. Working knowledge of AS9100 or ISO9001 standards.
12. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated successful collaboration with diverse multidisciplinary teams.
13. Effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels within the organization.
14. Attention to detail.
15. Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Previous experience with owning and managing a high level QMS.
2. Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards.
3. Recognized quality-related certification (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, ASQ certification, etc).
4. Experience with various manufacturing processes such as casting, CNC machining, forging, heat treatment, and additive manufacturing for metals and plastics.
5. Experience in Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI).
6. Black Belt certification with demonstrated success in DMAIC projects.
7. Proficiency in statistical analysis as it relates to quality processes and process capability.
8. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams of diverse stakeholders in quality initiatives.
9. Experience working with socially and culturally diverse communities.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.