Senior Director, Quality - Niron Magnetics

This is the first new magnetic material in 40 years. Niron Magnetics is commercializing the world’s first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets powered by its breakthrough material formulation. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and solve supply chain reliability challenges, will drive innovation in various industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community. We were named one of “America's Top GreenTech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the “Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards.

Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to work alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.

What you’ll do

The Senior Director of Quality will be responsible for establishing, developing, and leading a comprehensive Quality function across the enterprise. This role is critical in building the quality infrastructure, systems, processes, and team needed to support a high-growth, emerging technology manufacturing company transitioning from R&D and pilot production into full-scale commercial manufacturing.

Quality Strategy & Leadership

• Define and implement a company-wide quality vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary authority on quality across the organization, including product quality, manufacturing quality, and supplier quality.
• Build and lead the Quality Department from the ground up, including organizational design, hiring, and training.

Quality Systems Development

• Establish and deploy 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).

Product & Manufacturing Quality (future focus)

• 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.

Supplier & Incoming Quality

• Create and lead a supplier quality program, including audits, qualification, scorecards, and corrective actions.
• Develop incoming inspection procedures and ensure traceability and conformance of critical materials and components.

Customer & Regulatory Interface (future focus)

• 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.

Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing quality team across quality engineering, quality assurance, document control, and inspection.
• Foster a strong quality culture across the organization through training, collaboration, and accountability.

What We’re Looking For

• BS or higher in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing quality roles, with at least 5+ years in a leadership capacity
• Proven experience building and scaling quality systems 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 Have

• 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.

Our pay and benefits

• Salary: $170,000-230,000 annually, depending on experience
• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment