Quality Assurance Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

The Quality Assurance Manager will deliver Quality Assurance for our Above Water systems segment, driving improvements to meet quality objectives, reduce risks, and minimise the Cost of Non-Quality across operations. Our Above Water Systems team designs, engineers, and supports commercial and naval ships.

The successful candidate will apply a risk-based approach to quality assurance—ensuring compliance, addressing deficiencies, certifying products, mitigating risks, and in conjunction with the Head of Quality issuing Alerts or Vetoes when necessary, to foster a culture where quality is the responsibility of all employees.

The role will support our exciting RMP East (Fleet maintenance) and DORSC (Reticulating Dock operations) projects. The DORSC contract focuses on providing innovative risk management solutions to enhance operational effectiveness for defense operations, ensuring mission success while minimising risks. The RMP East contract aims to modernise defense capabilities and foster strong partnerships in the Eastern region, emphasising collaboration and advanced technologies. Both contracts exemplify Thales's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of defense customers while enhancing operational readiness and security.

Located centrally in Wooloomooloo's Garden Island, on Gadigal land your role purpose will be –

• Establish strong relationships with the Customer's Quality Managers to build trust and ensure issues are addressed efficiently and effectively
• Foster teamwork within your immediate team and across other departments to promote a unified approach to Quality for shared success
• Support projects on assuring conformity of project deliverables / Declaration of Conformity / Product Release
• Analyse operational performance and provide management with an overall picture of quality performance for decision-making purposes to support operational excellence.
• Perform trend analysis of quality data to identify risks, and using root cause analysis methods such as 4D and 8D to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Support internal, customer and third-party activities for applicable certifications e.g. ISO9001 – ISO55001 – ISO17025
• Ensure TIMS maturity assessment and audit plans are properly planned and implemented to improve business outcomes

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Tertiary Qualifications in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Audit Qualifications (e.g. Lead Auditor) background or qualifications is desirable.
• Experience in quality management, preferably in an industrial/system’s engineering organisation, or other relevant technically orientated discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Strategic influencing skills including the ability to promote improvement at all levels and across all areas of the organisation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand and critique requirements. with expertise in applying problem solving tools, such as 8D is desirable
• Good communication & interpersonal skills, including ability to prepare and present reports.
• Ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Diplomacy skills, including the ability to withstand pressures and say 'no' when quality is insufficient or processes are not being adhered to.
• Must be an Australian Citizen and eligible for Australian Defence Clearance

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance
• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment
• Recognised leader in reservist employee support
• Veterans Leave
• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS
• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)
• Modernised Paid Parental Leave
• Novated Lease options
• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work
• Personal & professional training development opportunities
• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner
• Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)
• And much more!

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.