Director of Quality Engineering, Hardware

*Due to the nature of our work in defense, Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which usually requires US citizenship*

AboutDarkhive:

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts.

If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

The Director of Quality Engineering, Hardware Role:

This is a Hybrid position-candidate is located within commutable distance to San Antonio, TX. Travel is expected to suppliers, manufacturing sites, and partner locations up to 25%-40%.

Darkhive is seeking a highly capable and hands-on Director of Quality Engineering, Hardware Quality to build and scale our hardware quality and supplier quality capabilities in a fast-paced defense technology environment. This role will report to the VP of Quality.

This role will be supporting vendor quality and manufacturing operations for complex hardware systems such as PCBAs, embedded compute platforms, RF/communications systems, batteries/power systems, motors and actuation systems, sensors, and autonomous or unmanned systems. Therefore, this role is heavily focused on supplier quality engineering and operational quality execution, while also requiring strong Product Quality Planning (PQP/APQP), Design for Excellence (DFx), and advanced manufacturing quality experience. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable driving supplier corrective actions, influencing engineering and manufacturing decisions, developing scalable quality systems, and operating effectively in dynamic startup environments.

This is a foundational leadership role responsible for establishing and maturing critical quality processes as the organization scales. We are looking for a leader who is energized by building systems, creating operational structures, and driving execution cross-functionally, while remaining close to day-to-day technical and operational challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Build and scale Darkhive's hardware quality and supplier quality engineering capabilities
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Quality Management System (QMS) processes aligned with ISO 9001 and related industry standards
• Own supplier quality management activities, including supplier qualification, AVL/ASL management, supplier audits, supplier scorecards, SCAR management, and supplier development initiatives
• Lead cross-functional root cause investigations, containment activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts
• Partner closely with hardware engineering teams to influence design quality, manufacturability, reliability, and scalability through DFx methodologies
• Drive Product Quality Planning (PQP/APQP) activities across hardware development and manufacturing introduction
• Evolve scalable inspection, traceability, nonconformance, and manufacturing quality processes
• Support contract manufacturers and external manufacturing partners through process qualification, quality oversight, and operational risk management
• Lead audit readiness activities, including internal audits, supplier audits, and external certification audits
• Build operational quality metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to support data-driven decision-making
• Develop quality standards and operational controls for PCBA, compute hardware, and electro-mechanical assemblies
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to reduce supplier risk, improve incoming quality, and strengthen production readiness
• Help establish configuration management, revision control, and hardware traceability best practices
• Mentor and help grow future quality engineering talent as the organization scales

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in hardware quality engineering, supplier quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or related disciplines. This experience should include application of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies in hardware manufacturing and supplier quality environments
• Demonstrated experience building or scaling quality systems, supplier quality programs, or manufacturing quality organizations
• Deep supplier quality engineering experience, including: supplier qualification, supplier audits, SCAR management, root cause analysis, supplier performance management, incoming quality, process validation
• Experience with advanced manufacturing and New Product Introduction (NPI) quality methodologies including: APQP/PQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, 8D, RCCA, process capability analysis
• Strong DFx background, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT)
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers and external manufacturing operations
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to move fluidly between strategic leadership and hands-on execution
• Comfortable operating in startup environments with evolving priorities and high ownership expectations
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills
• Ability to influence engineering, operations, and leadership teams through data-driven decision-making

• Auditor certification or formal training in ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 auditing strongly preferred (e.g., ASQ CQA, ASQ CSQP, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or AS9100 Lead Auditor)
• Experience with PCBA, compute hardware, embedded systems, or electronics manufacturing
• Experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
• Experience with CM/JDM/ODM manufacturing models
• Familiarity with AS9100, IPC standards, ESD controls, configuration management, or special process controls
• Experience working with ERP/MES/QMS systems in manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with traceability, supplier flowdowns, and hardware lifecycle management
• U.S. Military Veteran/Reservist experience is a plus

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time
• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to travel periodically to supplier and manufacturing locations
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong command of the English language
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced and ambiguous environments
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position

• Welcoming and collaborative work environment
• Mission-driven team and product
• Opportunity to build and shape a growing organization
• Respect for work-life balance
• Exposure to cutting-edge robotics and defense technology