Senior Manager, Quality Assurance

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location - employees join together to improve the world.

Explore what's possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning "science fiction" into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater's values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees - and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

Primary Objective:

SkyWater Technology is seeking a dynamic Senior Manager of Quality Assurance to lead and implement our Quality team as well as our Quality Management System in Austin, Texas. This pivotal role focuses on delivering exceptional quality services to both internal teams and external customers while fostering strong collaboration across Engineering and Manufacturing. We're looking for an innovative leader with a sense of urgency who can balance short-term needs with long-term strategic goals.

Join us to drive quality excellence and make a significant impact in a full-time, permanent position.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Quality Management System:
  
  
  
  • Collaborating with the Senior Director of Quality Assurance on implementing and maintaining SkyWater Technology's Austin, Texas QMS to support internal processes that meet external customer requirements, regulatory, & certifying body requirements
  
  
  
  

• Collaboration:
  
  
  
  • Partner with SkyWater Austin, Texas, Engineering and Manufacturing Operations to align quality initiatives with engineering processes and production objectives.
  • Facilitate clear and effective communication between SkyWater Austin, Texas Quality, engineering, operations, and customers.
  
  
  
  

* Customer Focus:

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  • External:
    
    
    
    • Ensure quality processes meet customer requirements and drive customer satisfaction throughout the product lifecycle.
    
    
    
    
  • Internal:
    
    
    
    • Collaborate across teams to optimize internal processes, address quality concerns, and support operational excellence.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Leadership:
  
  
  
  • Lead the SkyWater Austin, Texas Quality Processes, including, but not limited to, document control, supplier quality assurance, internal and external audits, design quality, customer quality, and quality compliance.
  • Lead via Influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders through indirect leadership, building strong relationships to drive a culture of quality.
  • Team Development, Mentor and guide quality team members, fostering accountability and continuous learning.
  
  
  
  
• Audits and Compliance:
  
  
  
  • Act as the primary SkyWater Austin, Texas quality representative during external audits (customer and third-party certifications) and internal quality reviews.
  
  
  
  
• Continuous Improvement:
  
  
  
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement, corrective actions, and standardization in collaboration with internal teams.
  
  
  
  
• Quality Metrics:

• Provide regular updates on quality metrics and improvement initiatives to support Management Review meetings.
• Establish and monitor key quality metrics to track progress and support data-driven decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate will bring expertise in quality management, a passion for continuous improvement, and strong leadership skills, with the ability to drive results through leading via influence.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments, including engineering and operations, to achieve quality objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in fostering and maintaining a customer-focused, pro-active quality culture.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to lead indirectly and build consensus.
• Experience with quality improvement methodologies such as 8D structured problem solving, including corrective & preventive actions, and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and technical writing skills.
• Proven creativity and experience in planning, developing, and executing Quality Systems in a dynamic environment.

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Material Science, Physics, or other relevant engineering discipline, or comparable years of experience.

• Experience:Minimum of 3 years of Quality Assurance experience, including at least 1 year in a leadership role with direct reports.

• Skills:Expertise in Quality Standards and Certifications (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, and ISO 13485) & Demonstrated knowledge of AIAG, and VDA 6.3.

Physical Requirements:

• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in engineering, Material Science, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in semiconductor Quality or wafer manufacturing
• Familiarity with phase gate development processes and innovation-driven environments.
• Expertise in automotive, aerospace & defense, or medical industries.
• Experience negotiating quality-related contractual requirements.
• Knowledge of ESD protocols and cleanroom standards.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site cafeteria, fitness facility, and self-serve market.

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com.

EOE, including disability/vets