About this opportunity
Hydrograph USA INC lists this Quality Director opportunity in austin, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Location: Austin, Texas
Department: Operations
Reports to: SVP Operations and Supply Chain
Type: Full-Time
About HydroGraph
HydroGraph is a hyper-growth advanced materials company scaling pristine, high-performance graphene via its patented Hyperion detonation technology. With more than 70 active commercial projects, a growing global footprint, and industry-leading material quality (99.8% pure graphene), HydroGraph is building the next generation of engineered materials for coatings, composites, and energy storage. Our new Austin HQ will serve as the flagship center for innovation, applied R&D, customer engagement, and rapid material development.
Role Overview
The Quality Director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's quality management system, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. This strategic position leads quality assurance and quality control initiatives across all operations to enhance product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
Competencies
Strategic Quality Leadership
Develop and implement comprehensive quality strategies aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices
Establish quality vision, mission, and objectives that support business growth and customer satisfaction
Lead the modification and maintenance of the existing Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure alignment with the organization during the growth of the company.
Define quality metrics, KPIs, and dashboards to monitor organizational performance
Partner with executive leadership to integrate quality principles into strategic planning
Allocate resources and budgets to support quality initiatives and improvement projects
Quality Management System & Compliance
Ensure QMS compliance with relevant standards (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO14001, AS9100, etc.)
Oversee internal and external audits, managing audit schedules, findings, and corrective actions
Maintain relationships with regulatory bodies and manage regulatory inspections
Lead certification and recertification activities for quality standards
Develop and enforce quality policies, procedures, and work instructions
Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and ensure organizational compliance
Quality Assurance & Control
Oversee quality assurance activities including process validation, qualification protocols, and risk assessments
Direct quality control operations including inspection, testing, and release procedures
Establish incoming, in-process, and final inspection criteria and acceptance standards
Implement statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools as appropriate
Manage non-conformance processes, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
Oversee supplier quality management and vendor qualification programs
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other methodologies
Lead cross-functional teams in quality improvement projects and problem-solving activities
Analyze quality data to identify trends, systemic issues, and improvement opportunities
Implement process optimization strategies to reduce defects, waste, and variation
Develop and track cost of quality metrics including prevention, appraisal, and failure costs
Foster a culture of quality awareness and accountability throughout the organization
Team Leadership & Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing quality team including quality techs at multiple sites
Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and support professional development
Ensure the quality function adapts in organizational structure and responsibilities as the organization grows
Recruit and retain top quality talent with appropriate technical expertise
Promote cross-training and knowledge sharing within the quality, operations, R&D and supply chain departments
Champion employee engagement and empowerment in quality initiatives
Customer & Supplier Relations
Serve as the primary quality liaison with customers regarding quality issues and requirements
Manage customer complaints, lead investigations, and implement corrective actions
Oversee supplier quality programs including audits, scorecards, and improvement plans
Collaborate with procurement to qualify new suppliers and evaluate supplier performance
Lead quality agreements and specifications development with customers and suppliers
Risk Management
Develop and implement risk-based approaches to quality management
Conduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and other risk assessment activities
Establish risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans
Monitor and report on quality risks to executive leadership
Ensure product safety and manage product recalls or field actions when necessary
Documentation & Reporting
Ensure comprehensive documentation of quality processes, procedures, and records
Prepare quality reports for executive leadership, board of directors, and regulatory authorities
Maintain document control systems ensuring version control and accessibility
Oversee management review meetings and quality system performance reviews
Communicate quality performance metrics and improvement initiatives across the organization
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Life Sciences, or related technical field
10+ years of progressive quality management experience with at least 5 years in leadership roles
Extensive knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory requirements
Proven track record of leading successful quality initiatives and driving organizational change
Strong understanding of statistical methods, quality tools, and problem-solving techniques
Experience managing and leading large, cross-functional teams
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Preferred
Master's degree in Quality Management, Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, or related field
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) from ASQ
Six Sigma Master Black Belt or Black Belt certification
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification
Experience in highly regulated industries (oil and gas, pharmaceutical, medical device, aerospace, automotive, food & beverage)
Experience with digital quality management systems and Industry 4.0 technologies
Technical Skills & Knowledge
Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, AS9100, IATF 16949
Quality Tools: FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, DOE, 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa Diagrams
Continuous Improvement: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Total Quality Management (TQM)
Quality Software: Minitab, JMP, ETQ, MasterControl, TrackWise, or similar QMS platforms
Auditing: Internal auditing, supplier audits, regulatory inspections
Statistical Analysis: Hypothesis testing, capability studies, regression analysis
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Change management and organizational transformation
Analytical and data-driven decision making
Executive presence and influence
Conflict resolution and problem-solving
Cross-functional collaboration and relationship building
Customer focus and service orientation
Attention to detail and process rigor
Adaptability and resilience
Ethical leadership and integrity
Communication and presentation skills at all organizational levels
Cultural awareness and ability to lead diverse teams
Work Environment
Leadership-level position with significant organizational influence
Office-based with regular presence on production floor or operational areas
May require domestic and international travel for audits, customer visits, or regulatory meetings
Participation in industry conferences, regulatory forums, and professional organizations
Flexibility for occasional after-hours work during audits or critical quality events
Why Join HydroGraph
Lead the core scientific engine of one of the fastest-growing graphene companies in the world.
Shape a next-generation materials platform used across aerospace, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, and defense.
Work directly with global partners and world-class advisors (GEIC, OEMs, DoD).
Competitive compensation, equity participation, and career advancement as the company scales.
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Worksite address
austin, TX, 78716, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.