As winner of the 2023 and 2024 Defence Innovator of the Year and finalist in 2025 and 2026, DefendTex’s values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, passion and calculated risk-taking are at the forefront of everything we do.

Our vision is to be a world leader in defence innovation through developing and delivering advanced defence technologies to military and law enforcement communities around the world.

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to establish and lead our enterprise Quality function and drive the implementation of our Quality Management System across our rapidly growing defence technology organisation.

This is a rare opportunity to build DefendTex’s enterprise Quality Management System from the ground up and establish the quality framework supporting a rapidly growing Australian sovereign defence technology organisation, including advanced manufacturing, engineering and production capability.

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing world-class quality systems, driving certification to ISO 9001 and supporting the future growth of DefendTex’s advanced manufacturing capability.

About the Role

The Quality Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across DefendTex Group’s Quality function including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Supplier Quality and Continuous Improvement.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, HSE and Defence stakeholders, you will establish the systems, processes and culture required to ensure DefendTex products consistently meet the highest standards of quality, safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.

This role will suit an experienced quality leader who enjoys building capability, improving processes and operating in complex, safety-critical manufacturing environments.

Key responsibilities include:

- Establish and lead DefendTex Group’s Quality function, supporting all business units including engineering, manufacturing, testing, supply chain and future operational capabilities.
- Design, implement and maintain DefendTex Group’s Quality Management System (QMS), including preparation for ISO 9001 certification and future alignment with AS9100 and other relevant Defence industry standards.
- Develop the Quality Manual, policies, procedures, work instructions and quality documentation framework.
- Establish quality governance, metrics,



reporting processes and continuous improvement systems.
- Develop and implement inspection, testing, verification and product release processes.
- Lead Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities across incoming materials, manufacturing, testing and final product acceptance.
- Establish supplier quality processes including supplier qualification, monitoring and performance improvement.
- Develop and manage internal audit programs, corrective actions and continual improvement initiatives.
- Lead investigations into non-conformances using structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, FMEA and root cause analysis.
- Establish product traceability, records management and documentation control processes.
- Support quality requirements through design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews and qualification testing.
- Liaise with Defence customers, regulatory bodies, auditors and certification organisations.
- Partner with business leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Programs and Operations to embed consistent quality practices across DefendTex Group.
- Build, mentor and develop a high-performing Quality team as DefendTex Group continues to grow.
- Promote a culture where quality, safety and continuous improvement are embedded across all operations.

About You

- You are an experienced quality leader who combines technical expertise with the ability to build systems, influence teams and drive organisational change.
- You have experience operating within Defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing or other highly regulated environments and are excited by the chance to establish a quality framework supporting Australia’s sovereign defence technology capability.
- You will bring a practical, collaborative approach and the ability to balance compliance requirements with operational excellence.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management or a related discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing or Chemical Engineering preferred).
- Significant experience leading Quality functions within Defence, aerospace,



advanced manufacturing or highly regulated industries.
- Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and improving Quality Management Systems.
- Experience developing and implementing Quality Management Systems across multiple business functions.
- Experience leading an organisation through ISO 9001 certification.
- Strong understanding of quality systems, manufacturing processes and inspection methodologies.
- Experience managing internal and external audits, corrective actions and continuous improvement activities.
- Experience with quality tools including FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D and root cause analysis.
- Strong understanding of supplier quality management and product verification processes.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and, where applicable, an Australian Explosives Licence.
- AS9100 experience or certification knowledge.
- ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 Lead Auditor qualification.
- Experience within defence manufacturing, aerospace, propulsion systems, energetic materials, electronics manufacturing or complex engineering environments.
- Experience establishing quality systems within a greenfield manufacturing environment.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.

Why Us?

- Lead the establishment of DefendTex’s enterprise Quality function supporting nationally significant sovereign defence technology programs.
- Opportunity to build and implement a Quality Management System from the ground up.
- Play a key leadership role supporting Australia’s defence industry growth.
- Work on advanced defence technologies with global impact.
- Competitive remuneration package.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Join an innovative, values-driven organisation recognised as a leader in defence innovation.
- Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of Victoria’s Bass Coast region, with access to Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

At DefendTex, we are proud to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We foster a culture built on integrity, innovation, professionalism and passion, while delivering technologies that strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

If you are ready to build and lead the Quality function for one of Australia’s most exciting and rapidly growing defence technology organisations, we would love to hear from you.

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📌 Quality Manager (Dandenong)
🏢 DefendTex
📍 Dandenong