---
title: 'Director, Supplier Quality at Divergent'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-supplier-quality-divergent-torrance-california-kt7npcq9vpe8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Director, Supplier Quality at Divergent

- **Company:** Divergent
- **Location:** Torrance California, United States
- **Compensation:** $193k–$236k
- **Posted:** 2026-06-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/divergent/jobs/5194800008

## Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

The Director of Supplier Quality leads the development and execution of Divergent’s 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

## Key Responsibilities

- Supplier Quality Strategy, Governance & Operating Model
- Architect and deploy a scalable supplier quality operating system that supports:
- Low-volume, high-complexity builds
- Scalable, repeatable production
- Additive manufacturing infrastructure
- 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).
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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).
- 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 standards
- Track audit findings, ensure timely closure, and verify effectiveness.
- Drive suppliers toward higher levels of quality system maturity.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Divergent growth trajectory.
- 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

- 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:
- APQP / PPAP
- Root cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys,etc.)
- Statistical process control (SPC)
- Supplier auditing and development
- 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 and scalable production systems.
- 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](https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf)

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](https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf). 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. https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf | https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

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.

## About Divergent

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Divergent provides a software-defined end-to-end digital manufacturing platform (DAPS™) that enables the design, additive manufacturing, and automated assembly of complex metal structures for aerospace, defense, and automotive applications.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series E)
- **Headquarters**: Torrance, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2014
- **Founders**: Lukas Czinger (CEO & President)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing
- **Target customers**: B2B – primarily large aerospace/defense primes (e.g., Raytheon, KAI, U.S. Army) and automotive OEMs; also government agencies (Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense)
- **Mission**: To build the 21st century industrial base by delivering a software-defined production platform that enables faster development cycles, flexible manufacturing capacity, and resilient supply chains for mission-critical hardware. [divergent.us](https://www.divergent.us/)

## Products & Services
- **Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™)**: A fully integrated software-hardware platform that combines AI‑enabled engineering design optimization, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L‑PBF) 3D printing with application‑specific alloys, and a universal robotic assembly process that requires no design‑specific tooling. It allows different products to be produced on the same platform on the same day. [divergent.us](https://www.divergent.us/)
- **Design & Engineering Services**: Computational design, structural analysis, and optimization for complex metal structures.
- **Additive Manufacturing Production**: Qualified for U.S. Army ground vehicle parts and aerospace components; capable of producing mission‑critical hardware at scale.
- **Sustainment & Aftermarket**: Responsive, low‑cost production of replacement parts for legacy systems (e.g., naval systems with Raytheon). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (conflicting reports on total funding – see below).
- **Key Metrics**:
  - **Annual Revenue**: $95M (as of 2026) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - **Total Funding**: Conflicting reports – $895M (CB Insights) vs. $1.1B (LinkedIn). Latest round: $250M Series E led by Rochefort Management (closed Sep 2025). [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/divergent-microfactories) | [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Rochefort Management, Hexagon, Bridge Bank, John L. Thornton, Hedosophia, Apollo Future Mobility Group, Lateralus Ventures. Key partners include Raytheon (RTX), Mach Industries, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d) | [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/divergent-microfactories)
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount grew 53.8% YoY to 324 employees (as of mid‑2026). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - Active job postings: 66 (monthly growth +46.7%, yearly +312.5%). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - In Feb 2026, qualified for U.S. Army ground vehicle parts production using L‑PBF. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - In Jan 2026, awarded a position on the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD IDIQ ($151B ceiling). [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - In Feb 2026, partnered with Mach Industries to move a clean‑sheet concept (Venom) to flight hardware in just 71 days. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
  - In Aug 2025, partnered with Raytheon to redesign and deliver critical naval systems using DAPS. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Software‑defined manufacturing**: DAPS eliminates fixed tooling and upfront capex, enabling rapid design iteration and production of different parts on the same line.
- **Speed to production**: Demonstrated ability to go from concept to flight‑ready hardware in 71 days (Venom with Mach Industries).
- **Material & process agnostic**: Uses patented 3D printing processes and application‑specific alloys; has filed 53 patents covering 3D printing, manufacturing, and assembly. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/divergent-microfactories)
- **Defense‑grade certifications**: Qualified for U.S. Army ground vehicle parts and holds positions on major defense contracts (SHIELD, etc.).
- **Vertical integration**: Covers design, printing, assembly, and sustainment in‑house, reducing supply chain risk.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale manufacturing capacity**: Expanding DAPS factories in Torrance and Long Beach to meet growing defense and aerospace demand.
- **Deepen defense relationships**: Leveraging recent wins (SHIELD, Army qualification, Raytheon partnership) to become a prime supplier for mission‑critical hardware.
- **Accelerate new capabilities**: Continuing development of new alloys, larger‑format printing, and AI‑driven design optimization.
- **Expand into adjacent industries**: Automotive and industrial sectors remain secondary but active markets.

## Why Work Here
- **High‑growth environment**: Revenue of $95M with 53.8% headcount growth and a surge in job postings (66 open roles as of mid‑2026). Strong trajectory for career advancement.
- **Engineering‑centric culture**: 37% of employees in technical roles; heavy focus on software engineering, robotics, additive manufacturing, and structural analysis. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
- **Work location**: All current job listings are based in Torrance, California (on‑site). No explicit remote/hybrid policy found.
- **Compensation & culture**: Employee rating 3.7/5 (67 reviews) with compensation scored 4.1/5 and culture 3.3/5. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
- **Notable alumni flow**: Many employees come from SpaceX, Relativity Space, Northrop Grumman, Velo3D, and other advanced manufacturing / aerospace companies, indicating a high‑caliber peer group. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
- **Mission‑driven**: Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge digital manufacturing that directly impacts national defense and aerospace innovation.

## Sources
1. [divergent.us](https://www.divergent.us/)
2. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/divergent-microfactories)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergent3d)
4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/divergent)

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