Acoustics Quality Director

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Acoustics Quality Director to lead our quality strategy and ensure customer satisfaction. The role is based in Northridge, California, and requires on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• Supervisory and Organizational Leadership

  • Provide direct leadership to Production Quality Managers across multiple manufacturing locations (including Tijuana and Dandong).
  • Lead and develop a global team of Quality Engineers, Senior Engineers, and Technicians.
  • Provide dotted-line leadership to Supplier Quality Engineering and Service Quality teams supporting the Business Unit.
  • Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and clear accountability.
  • Lead through subordinate managers, setting priorities and direction aligned with Business Unit objectives.

• Quality Strategy, Governance & Business Acumen

  • Define, develop, and execute the Acoustics Business Unit Quality strategy, operating model, and governance framework in alignment with Business Unit goals, customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.
  • Act as a strategic partner to Business Unit and functional leadership, advising on quality, compliance, and product assurance trade-offs.
  • Own quality-related contributions to Business Unit financial performance, including cost of poor quality, warranty exposure, risk mitigation, and launch readiness.
  • Develop and own annual quality objectives, operating plans, and resource prioritization aligned with Business Unit plans.

• Quality Systems, Compliance & Lifecycle Assurance

  • Own and continuously improve the Business Unit Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with ISO 9001 and applicable global standards.
  • Lead internal, external, and customer audits with robust governance, transparent escalation, and timely closure of findings.
  • Ensure quality, reliability, and compliance requirements are embedded into product design, process decisions, and lifecycle governance.

• Product, Manufacturing & Supplier Quality Leadership

  • Lead quality engagement across R&D, NPI, manufacturing, and field performance to ensure First-Time-Right execution and stable ramp-up.
  • Drive manufacturing readiness, design robustness, validation completeness, and early-life performance monitoring.
  • Apply advanced quality analytics, risk-reduction tools, and defect-prevention methodologies across all lifecycle stages.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for critical customer and supplier quality issues, directing cross-functional containment, root cause analysis, and sustainable corrective actions.
  • Provide oversight of supplier qualification, performance management, and capability development in partnership with Supplier Quality organizations.

• Leadership, Problem Solving & Impact

  • Direct the resolution of complex, cross-functional, and high-impact quality issues, applying advanced critical thinking and structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Balance short-term operational needs with long-term Business Unit quality and risk objectives.
  • Influence, negotiate, and align priorities with senior leaders across engineering, operations, and commercial organizations.
  • Champion a Quality-First culture emphasizing transparency, data-driven decisions, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (industrial, mechanical, acoustics, electrical, or equivalent).
  • Master’s degree (MBA or technical field) preferred.

• Experience

  • 15+ years of progressive experience in Quality, Engineering, or Operations in acoustics, audio, transducers, or precision manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-site or global quality teams through people leaders.
  • Strong expertise in acoustic testing, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), reliability engineering, and precision process control.
  • Proven track record developing and executing quality strategies that improve customer outcomes and business performance.
  • Strong experience implementing Quality Management Systems and reducing cost of poor quality.

• Core Competencies

  • Strategic and systems-level thinking with strong business and commercial acumen.
  • Executive-level communication and stakeholder influence skills.
  • Ability to negotiate priorities and trade-offs with senior leaders.
  • Deep expertise in structured problem solving, risk management, and quality analytics
  • High integrity, customer focus, and results orientation.

Nice to Have

• Experience in a similar customer quality/customer service/technical support or Quality role at a multinational global company.
• Knowledge of modern quality tools such as FMEA, DOE, SPC, Kaizen, and DMAIC.
• Previous experience with analytics tools like Power BI, Minitab
• Understanding and experience using systems like CRM, Windchill, SAP
• Experience in leading global cross-functional teams.

We Offer

• Compensation

  • Salary range: $173,250 - $254,100 per year.
  • Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation are also available, such as bonuses or commission.

• Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Fertility support and adoption assistance.
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match.
  • Short and long term disability coverage.
  • Life insurance.
  • Paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, and paid bonding and caregiver leave.

About HARMAN

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners, and each other.

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', ‘@careers.harman.com’ or ‘@harmanglobal.avature.net’ email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information, or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [email protected].

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications, and job-related performance.

HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.