Back to jobs
New

Director, Supplier Quality

Torrance, California, United States

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

The Director of Supplier Quality leads the development and execution of Divergent and Czinger Vehicles’ global supplier quality strategy. This role is responsible for ensuring that all externally sourced components, materials, and services meet stringent quality, reliability, and performance standards—spanning prototype through full-rate production.

You will build and scale supplier quality systems appropriate for a high-growth, advanced manufacturing environment, while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement across a diverse and evolving supply base.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic quality management, deep technical engagement with suppliers, cross-functional collaboration, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a highly dynamic, fast-growth environment, and bring both startup grit and world-class manufacturing discipline.

The Role

1. Supplier Quality Strategy, Governance & Operating Model

  • Architect and deploy a scalable supplier quality operating system that supports:
    • Low-volume, high-complexity builds (Czinger)
    • Scalable, repeatable production (Divergent platform customers)
    • Additive manufacturing infrastructure (Divergent Evolutionary Printers)
  • Define supplier segmentation strategy (strategic, critical, developmental, transactional) with differentiated quality engagement models.
  • Establish quality governance forums (e.g., Supplier Quality Council, cross-functional escalation reviews).
  • Develop multi-year roadmap for supplier quality maturity aligned with company growth (prototype → industrialization → scale).
  • Own end-to-end supplier quality policies, procedures, and standard work.
  • Drive digitization of supplier quality processes (QMS tools, real-time dashboards, supplier portals).

2. Supplier Selection, Qualification & Industrialization

  • Partner with sourcing during RFQ and supplier selection to evaluate:
    • Technical capability
    • Process maturity
    • Capacity and scalability
    • Quality system robustness
  • Lead supplier risk assessments (technical, operational, geopolitical, financial).
  • Define and execute supplier qualification frameworks, including:
    • Pre-award audits (process, quality system, manufacturing readiness)
    • Capability studies and run-at-rate validations
  • Drive industrialization readiness for new suppliers:
    • Manufacturing process validation
    • Tooling and fixture qualification
    • Special process validation (heat treatment, additive, composites, machining, etc.)

3. Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Execution

  • Own supplier-side APQP execution across all programs and customers.
  • Ensure robust completion and approval of:
    • Design reviews and supplier feasibility commitments
    • Process Flow Diagrams aligned to actual manufacturing steps
    • PFMEA with high-risk failure modes mitigated prior to SOP
    • Control Plans tied to critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics
  • Drive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions at appropriate levels:
    • Validate dimensional results, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and material certifications
    • Ensure alignment with engineering specifications and performance requirements
  • Establish launch readiness criteria and enforce strict entry/exit gates for suppliers.

4. Supplier Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

  • Define and operationalize supplier scorecards, including:
    • PPM (defects)
    • On-time delivery (OTD)
    • Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
    • Responsiveness and corrective action closure time
  • Lead monthly/quarterly business reviews (MBRs/QBRs) with strategic suppliers.
  • Drive structured supplier improvement programs, including:
    • Lean manufacturing implementation
    • Six Sigma projects
    • Yield and throughput optimization
  • Develop and deploy supplier development roadmaps for underperforming or strategic partners.
  • Own escalation process for chronic supplier issues, including executive-level interventions.

5. Nonconformance Management, Root Cause & Corrective Actions

  • Establish a closed-loop nonconformance management system across incoming, in-process, and field issues.
  • Lead critical supplier quality issue resolution using:
    • 8D methodology
    • 5 Whys, Ishikawa (Fishbone), fault tree analysis
  • Ensure true root cause identification (escape point + occurrence cause), not superficial fixes.
  • Validate effectiveness of corrective actions through data and audit.
  • Partner with internal teams to manage:
    • Supplier containment actions
    • Line disruptions and recovery plans
    • Field failures and warranty-related supplier issues

6. Incoming Quality & Risk-Based Inspection Strategy

  • Design and implement risk-based incoming inspection frameworks, including:
    • Dock-to-stock programs for high-performing suppliers
    • Increased inspection for new or underperforming suppliers
  • Define inspection plans based on:
    • Criticality of components (safety, structural, performance)
    • Supplier capability and historical performance
  • Optimize balance between inspection, cost, and risk.
  • Implement advanced inspection technologies where applicable (CMM, CT scanning, digital metrology).

7. Supplier Audits & Quality Systems Compliance

  • Develop and execute a global supplier audit program, including:
    • Quality system audits (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100 as applicable)
    • Process audits (layered process audits, special process validation)
    • Product audits
  • Ensure supplier compliance with:
    • Regulatory requirements
    • Customer-specific requirements
    • Internal Divergent/Czinger standards
  • Track audit findings, ensure timely closure, and verify effectiveness.
  • Drive suppliers toward higher levels of quality system maturity.

8. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Program Support

  • Embed SQE resources within program teams to ensure early supplier engagement.
  • Identify and mitigate supplier risks during design and development phases.
  • Ensure suppliers are aligned to:
    • Engineering changes (ECR/ECO processes)
    • Prototype and pre-production builds
  • Support rapid iteration cycles typical of advanced engineering environments while maintaining quality discipline.
  • Drive seamless transition from prototype builds → pilot → production.

9. Cross-Functional Integration

  • Act as the primary interface between suppliers and internal teams for all quality-related matters.
  • Partner closely with:
    • Engineering (design quality, tolerances, materials)
    • Supply Chain (sourcing strategy, supplier selection)
    • Manufacturing (line readiness, issue resolution)
    • Program Management (timelines, milestones, risk tracking)
  • Influence design decisions to ensure manufacturability and supplier capability alignment.

10. Global Supplier Engagement & Field Presence

  • Maintain strong, in-person engagement with key suppliers through:
    • On-site audits
    • Launch support
    • Crisis management
  • Lead war room / rapid response efforts at supplier sites when needed.
  • Build long-term, trust-based partnerships with strategic suppliers while maintaining accountability.

11. Team Leadership & Capability Building

  • Build and lead a high-caliber Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) organization.
  • Define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for the team.
  • Coach and develop team members in:
    • Technical quality tools
    • Supplier engagement and influence
    • Problem-solving methodologies
  • Establish a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure proper resourcing to support both Divergent and Czinger growth trajectories.
  • Drive Divergent’s performance culture by leading high-performing teams with clear expectations, actionable real-time feedback, accountability, and a commitment to company success.
  • Model Divergent’s core values of Respect, Clarity, Winning Spirit, Commitment, and Interdependence through disciplined execution, transparent communication, decisive action, and cross-functional collaboration.

12. Cost of Quality & Business Impact

  • Own and reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) across the supply base.
  • Quantify financial impact of supplier quality issues (scrap, rework, downtime, warranty).
  • Partner with finance and supply chain to drive should-cost and quality-cost tradeoffs.
  • Ensure supplier quality supports overall business objectives: speed, cost, scalability, and performance.

Basic Qualifications

  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls 
  • 10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or related roles.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing SQE or quality teams.
  • Strong experience in automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Deep expertise in:
  • Proven track record of scaling supplier quality systems in high-growth or startup environments.
  • Experience managing complex, global supply chains.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with additive manufacturing, lightweight structures, or advanced materials.
  • Familiarity with both low-volume high-complexity (Czinger) and scalable production systems (Divergent).
  • Certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt.
  • Experience with digital manufacturing or highly automated production environments.

Work Environment

  • This role will be onsite in our Torrance, CA office. 

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at level M08 as evaluated through our interview process. 

  • M08/ Director, Supplier Quality: $193,100 - $236,020

Pay Range

$193,100 - $236,020 USD

What We Offer:

  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. 


Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
EEO Poster 

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected. 
 
E-Verify: Right to Work
Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)
 
Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Divergent? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

A “Yes” response applies only if you meet one or more of the following: 

  1. Left DoD service within two years, served as a General Officer or Flag Officer, and were personally and substantially* involved with acquisitions** valued in excess of $10 million. 
  2. Left DoD service within two years, served in an Executive Schedule or Senior Executive Service (SES) position, and were personally and substantially* involved with acquisitions** valued in excess of $10 million. 
  3. Left DoD service within two years, served as a Contracting Officer, Program Manager, Deputy Program Manager, Source Selection Authority, Source Selection Evaluation Board member, or Chief of a financial or technical evaluation team for a FAR-based contract with a total value in excess of $10 million. 

 *Personally and substantially means direct, significant involvement in a specific matter through actions like decision-making, giving advice, investigating, or supervising subordinates who did those things, "substantially" meaning involvement of significance, not just perfunctory or peripheral contact. 

 **Acquisition includes: (A) the process of acquiring property or services that are already in existence, or that must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated; (B) the description of requirements to satisfy agency needs; (C) solicitation and selection of sources; (D) award of contracts; (E) contract performance; (F) contract financing; (G) management and measurement of contract performance through final delivery and payment; and (H) technical and management functions directly related to the process of fulfilling agency requirements by contract. 

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Divergent’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.