Director, Quality

Niron Magnetics, Inc. • Minneapolis, MN

3d • $170,000 - $195,000

About The Position

At Niron, quality is foundational to how we scale. As our Director of Quality, you’ll play a key role in building the structure, systems, and team that support our transition from R&D and pilot production into full commercial manufacturing. This is an opportunity to shape a practical, scalable Quality function from the ground up — partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure our products meet the highest standards as we grow. If you’re motivated by building processes that last and creating clarity in a fast-moving environment, this role offers meaningful impact at a pivotal stage in our company’s growth.

Requirements

• BS or higher in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field
• Proven experience building and scaling quality systems and culture in a manufacturing or materials environment
• Strong working knowledge of quality standards (e.g., ISO, AS, IATF), QMS systems, and tools (FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC).
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and working closely with engineering and operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Nice To Haves

• 7-10 years of experience in a director-level role building culture and programs
• Advanced degree and experience in advanced materials, magnetic materials, or clean energy sectors
• Experience preparing for and passing certification or regulatory audits (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.).
• Certification in Six Sigma, ASQ CQE, or similar credentials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a quality strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Serve as the functional leader for quality across the organization.
• Build and lead the Quality Department from the ground up, including organizational design, hiring, and training.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of a scalable Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001 and IATF 16949).
• Ensure engineering develops and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, quality plans, and inspection protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, and root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Ensure quality is embedded in every phase of the product lifecycle—from new product introduction (NPI) through production and field deployment.
• Oversee quality planning and validation activities, including process capability, control plans, FMEAs, and PPAPs (as applicable).
• Partner closely with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to resolve product and process nonconformances.
• Serve as the primary quality liaison with customers and regulatory bodies; lead audits and manage customer quality concerns and returns (e.g., CAPAs).
• Ensure all quality systems and practices comply with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing quality team.
• Foster a strong quality culture across the organization through training, collaboration, and accountability.

Benefits

• Salary: $170,000 - $195,000 annually, depending on education, experience and skills
• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare benefits
• 401k plan with 6% company match
• Paid time off to take time for what you need in life
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment set to change the world

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director