Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

Present in Japan since 1970, Thales promotes technological innovation and is an active and recognised partner for the development of Japanese infrastructure. Our strategy focuses on strengthening local partnerships and collaborating with key Japanese industrial players to address global needs as we continuously establish a dynamic and skilled workforce.

The Quality Assurance Manager is a key member of Thales Japan’s Defense Service Center, responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality in the services provided by Thales Japan. This includes oversight of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of Thales products manufactured by Thales global factories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the quality of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services provided by the Defense Service Center to the Ministry of Defense and Industrial Partners.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review quality assurance policies, standards, and procedures for the Defense Service Center. Oversee and ensure their effective compliance.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of the Defense Service Center operations from a quality assurance perspective. Identify areas for improvement and verify the implementation of corrective actions.
• Lead the third-party certifications for the Defense Service Center, such as ISO and other industry standards, and ensure ongoing compliance and maintenance of these certifications. Oversee and manage third-party audits required for certification renewal and compliance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of quality processes, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement activities leading to Customer Satisfaction.
• Investigate customer complaints and quality non-conformities, working with Project Managers, Engineers and other Thales entities to determine root causes and supervise the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Engineers, and teams within Thales Japan and other Thales entities to ensure consistency and alignment in quality standards.
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation activities related to service and process quality within the Japan Service Center.
• Analyze and report key quality metrics, trends, and insights related to the services provided by the Japan Service Center. Communicate findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Participate in pre-shipment inspections (such as Factory Acceptance Tests) at global Thales factories, and in pre-delivery inspections at Japanese warehouses, with or without customers, as required.
• Actively contribute to the management, sharing, and capitalization of knowledge within the company.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience a quality assurance role.
• Experience in relevant sectors, such as defense, aerospace, or manufacturing.
• Familiarity with industry quality standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, CMMI, etc.)
• Advanced degree and/or professional accreditation (e.g., Six Sigma, CQE, or similar) preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or other quality improvement methodologies preferred.
• Experience in data analysis and quality reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to fulfill and enforce commitments (results and deadlines), take responsibility for decisions, and exhibit reliability and integrity in professional duties.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy in all work.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites within Japan and to Thales factories outside of Japan, as required.
• Native-level proficiency in Japanese and advanced proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong desire to take on challenges and see them through to completion.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.