James Ward
Madison,AL
Summary
Quality management professional focused on driving process improvements and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Expertise in root cause analysis, auditing, and quality control methodologies enhances product quality and fosters continuous improvement. Strong team collaboration and adaptability support organizational goals while effective problem-solving and communication skills enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Program Lead
IERUS Technologies
Huntsville, AL
04.2026 - Current
- Currently supporting Radar System Test and Analysis Contract (RSTAC) Program
- Establish and monitor Quality, Safety and Mission Assurance (QSMA) program ensuring compliance with requirements of SAE AS9100D and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) directives.
- Monitored, sampled, and audited software, data, and documentation to ensure quality compliance as Quality Product Lead (QPL).
- Conducted process performance reviews to identify, document, measure, and eliminate defects in product and processes.
- Perform corrective actions to identify, track, manage and report any quality related problems, anomalies, violations of standards or other potential problems identified in the process.
- Conducted quality assurance oversight for hardware and software deliverables to ensure compliance with standards.
- Attend meetings with IERUS, Subs and Government personnel to resolve quality issues
- Collected and reported quality metrics and performance indicators to track compliance and improvement.
- Perform defect tracking, corrective action planning, and quality inspections.
- Support Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Integrated Ground Tests (GTIs), Distributed Ground Tests (GTDs), and Flight Test (FT) events.
Quality Manager
MDA
Huntsville, AL
03.2017 - 07.2025
- Conducted hardware qualifications, acceptance and design verification testing for ground systems, supporting programmatic activities including manufacturing production validations, reviews, failure review boards, quarterly program reviews and technical interchange meetings, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.
- Performed QSMA technical evaluation of the Phase II FMS Case for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), providing detailed evaluations of QSMA Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
- Performed Material Process Verification (MPV) for THAAD Fire Control Systems and Communications hardware (Radio Power Supply (RPS), Power Filter Unit (PFU), and Power Distribution Unit (PDU)).
- Performed First Article Inspection (FAI) Review on RPS, PFU, PDU amongst others.
- Actively facilitated/participated in THAAD program and Ground System QSMA meetings and forums such as: Ground (TFCC/Launcher/PSE) Hardware Interface Team, THAAD Notice of Change (NOC) Tracker, Ground Management Team, THN (THAAD Ground Systems) Staff Call, Supplier Quality Corrective Action Board (CAB) meetings, THAAD Ground Daily Production Status meeting, THAAD Senior CAB, and Manufacturing/Quality Tag Up serving as the Launcher Quality Lead.
- Led MDA team workforce and performed (MPV) on Welding Sub-Frame-Elbow, Bail Bar to Plate, Plate - Sub frame, Final Assembly, Final ATP, Deck Machining on Henri Line and was key participant in witnessing all (FAI) at facility.
- Facilitated MPV in Lufkin, TX for Enhanced Crew Access Unit (eCAU) to identify production acceptance test requirements.
- The (FRB) isolated to Pin/Collar press fit joint and collar axial load. Fault Tree was finalized, the corrective action that was most favorable fix was Snap Ring.
- Facilitated and participated in FAI at Lufkin, TX, coordinating with key personnel, reviewing SOW and WI, and overseeing FAI on multiple cable assemblies, ensuring adherence to quality standards for Electrical-W360, Electrical-W358, Electrical-W363, and the Under Run Bumper.
- Led Quality Assurance Team during multiple trips to United Arab Emirates, overseeing THAAD FMS case and ensuring successful delivery of critical program deliverables.
- Performed technical reviews of E-Logs, Quality Notes, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs)/Deviations/ Waivers, First Article Inspections (FAI) Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) Data, Final as Designed/As Built (ADAB) data, Proof Load, and Quick Look reports for MRP-Ts that have been DD-250'd.
Quality Manager
AMRDEC
Huntsville, AL
07.2015 - 03.2017
- Maintain an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance and active Passport.
- Mentored and supported AMRDEC THAAD/PATRIOT Quality Assurance Team (QAT) for Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMO) missions related to FMS Cases, enhancing team capabilities from July 2017 through July 2025.
- Handling transportation, loading/unloading of THAAD Interceptors, and all associated equipment pertaining to fielding THAAD and PATRIOT Missile Systems.
- Applying THAAD and PATRIOT technical expertise allowing the inventory/acceptance receipt of all listed THAAD Interceptors and associated fielding equipment during this period to move smoothly and rapidly to the respective fielding sites to assure the timeline could be met and minimize damage.
- U.A.E. expressed great appreciation for my assistance and attention to detail that generated many successful missions.
- Functioned as the THAAD AMRDEC FMS Lead focal point and liaison between U.A.E. commands while collaborating with AMRDEC/MDA PM /SAMO/Lockheed Martin from July 2017 through July 2025.
- Provided THAAD technical support for FMS Countries (CONUS/OCONUS) during planning and scheduling, port visits (AIR), and for handling, transportation, unloading of THAAD Missile Rounds and all associated equipment pertaining to fielding THAAD Missile Systems (CONUS/OCONUS).
- Completed assignments that required research, data collection/analysis, and reporting relative to the missions of U.A.E FMS case by having to produce timely and quality responses to AMRDEC/MDA/CLS/FMS Logistics and SAMO.
- Ensured lessons learned were shared with all appropriate team members within Quality, Safety, Mission Assurance, and Program/Project Office ensuring mistakes were not duplicated.
- Established a highly effective working relationship with management, co-workers, contractor personnel as well as representatives of various command levels to include but not limited to: AMRDEC/MDA, TPO, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, LTP, and SAMD (CONUS/OCONUS) and all FMS foreign commands.
- Analyzed Product Quality Manufacturing (PQM) processes and procedures, developing and implementing targeted improvements to enhance quality assurance practices.
- Utilizing QMS compliant standards and AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.
- Served as Action Point Officer for Product Quality Deficiency Reports (PQDR), liaising between customers and support contractors or government agencies.
- Assisted management in scheduling and performing: Pre-Awards, Post-Awards, Initial Production Visits, First Article Visits, Technical Reviews, Subcontractor Audits, Materiel Fielding, Security Assistance Visits, Foreign Military Sales, Product Oriented Surveys, and all other Quality Management related trips for THAAD and PATRIOT systems.
- Established and maintained effective relationships with internal and external customers, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and successful mission outcomes.
- Responded to all requests and constantly took the lead in checking with customers on their needs, working to improve their level of satisfaction.
- Kept management within AMRDEC, and all customers informed of any technical and financial tasking through effective communication (orally and written), with interim and closeout status provided in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with QM management and MDA project office in scheduling and performing: Technical Reviews, Subcontractor Audits, Materiel Fielding, Foreign Military Sales, and other Quality Management related trips.
- Supported the implementation of the Division Strategic Plan.
- Assisted in the development of Summary Descriptions; accomplishment of Objectives and Initiatives; and measurements of actions completed.
- Led team in corrosion prevention work group, to help mitigate future corrosion issues USG and FMS customers.
QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
MCAAP
McAlester, OK
03.2008 - 07.2015
- As a Quality Assurance Specialist Ammunition Surveillance, I worked with the fundamental principles, procedures, and techniques involved in surveillance of production, receipt, supply, inventory, safety, maintenance, storage, shipping and transportation of ammunition.
- Executed shipment and receiving documentation for ammunition, ensuring compliance with storage and re-warehousing protocols.
- Munition includes conventional ammunition, guided missiles, propellants, chemical munitions and explosive components within the single manager concept of DOD, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
- Interpreted and implemented regulations, provided advice, and prepared procedures for safety prevention.
- Investigated accidents to identify root causes and recommended corrective actions to enhance safety protocols.
- Investigated complaints and initiated remedial actions.
- Conducted safety surveys and inspections of work areas, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and standard practices.
- Document findings; follow up on correction of deficiencies.
- Inspected work sites for compliance, shop machinery and related mechanical processes, protective clothing, and fire suppression equipment.
- Investigated mishaps and analyzed contributing actions/conditions and recommended preventive measures.
- Developed, reviewed, analyzed statistical data to determine trends and hazardous and environmental remediation.
- Provided knowledge and skills to advise, plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive occupational safety and health program for depot officials.
- Coordinated different planning efforts for munitions projects about the safety of planned methods.
- Monitor operations to ensure that proper procedures are followed, that work is performed in accordance with applicable specifications, regulations and that safety precautions are observed.
- Facilitated planning operations in the maintenance, renovation, demilitarization, destruction, shipping, receiving, and re-warehousing of special munitions, complex missile systems, propellant, contingency stock, and conventional ammunition.
- Prepared and reviewed Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) for receiving demilitarization, storage, and shipment of ammunition.
- Contributed to preparing and developing detailed cost estimates and work orders.
- Researched, studied, and evaluated operations and risks.
- Contributed to identifying, developing methods, techniques to control or eliminate hazardous conditions which occurred during operations.
- Developed and maintained ammunition storage plans to maximize net explosive weight allowance per building in accordance with quantity distance, hazard class, NEW, and compatibility.
- Developed and finalized (SOP) and detailed hazard analyses, participated in development and revision of site safety plans, handled environmental issues.
- Provided informal instruction to work leaders and employees covering a variety of standards, general safety and occupational health subjects including mishap prevention and safe working practices.
- Conducted the execution and development of procedures, and techniques involved in surveillance of production, supply, inventory, safety, maintenance, storage, shipping, and transportation of conventional and Nonconventional ammunition.
- Developed and executed shipping and receiving of ammunition ensuring proper condition coding, proper receipt, quantity distance, hazard classification, grid requirements are met.
- Delivered technical advice and recommended alternative solutions to various projects and problems which require a deviation from established procedures, techniques, and local policy.
- Coordinated activities with other depot elements such as Shipping, Receiving, Inventory, Transportation, and Safety in meeting objectives and functions.
- Ensured that all Department of Defense, Army Regulations, Military Standards, Army Material Command, OSHA, State and Federal Regulations are met in the Shipping, Receiving, Inventory, Transportation, Utilizing QMS compliant standards AS9100 and ISO9001 standards and Safety sections.
- Performed various surveillance concerned with safety and quality of operations involving receipt, maintenance, storage, shipping, production, demilitarization of conventional and non-conventional ammunition.
- Inspected vehicles to ensure proper blocking and bracing applied, fill out inspection DD Form 626 to ensure the safety of vehicle according to 49 CFR, file and fill out proper documentation on Receipt, Storage, and Shipment of ammunition.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Administrative Leadership
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK, United States05-2019
Some college (no degree) - Occupational Safety
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY, United States03-2015
Associate degree - Ammunition Management and Safety
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK, United States05-2013
Skills
- Internal auditing
- Quality management systems
- Compliance monitoring
- Corrective actions
- Quality processes
- Regulatory compliance
- Document management
- SOP development
- Continuous improvement
- Quality training
- Quality planning
- Quality metrics
- Total quality management
- Product inspection
- Statistical analysis skills
- Document control
- Supplier relationship management
- Team training programs
- First-article inspection
- Failure mode and effects analysis
- Customer satisfaction
- Quality manager
- Analytical mindset
- Performance monitoring
- Measurement system analysis
- Sampling plans
- Operational excellence
- Gage R&R studies
- Issue resolution
- Preventive actions
- External auditing
- Control plan development
- Validation techniques
- Operation Monitoring
- Documentation control
- Operational improvements
- Process capability analysis
- Risk management
- Design of experiments
- Test method validation
- Problem-solving
- Mastery of quality processes
- Supplier quality management
- Validation management
- SOP review
- Statistical process control
- External audit support
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Process improvement
- Team collaboration
- Team development
- Staff training
- Goal setting
- Schedule management
- Strategic planning
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Detail-oriented
- Multitasking
- Multitasking capabilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Troubleshooting skills
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability
- Communication skills
- Production problem resolution
- Safety assessment
- Industrial safety
- Strategic thinker
- Relationship management
- Operational efficiency
- Inventory management
- Team management
- Operating budgets
- Quality control
- Team building
- Safety protocols
- Safety compliance
- Task prioritization
- Inventory control programs
- Safety management
- Preventive maintenance
- Quality control inspections
Job Related Training
- Certified in Ammo 62 for Technical Transportation of Hazardous Materials.
- Acquisition Workforce Level 3 Production, Quality, and Manufacturing Certification.
- Certification - Lean Manufacturing Simulation.
- EDA Critical Thinking Skills Workshop.
- ISO9001 Certification.
Timeline
Quality Program Lead
IERUS Technologies
04.2026 - Current
Quality Manager
MDA
03.2017 - 07.2025
Quality Manager
AMRDEC
07.2015 - 03.2017
QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST
MCAAP
03.2008 - 07.2015
Bachelor's degree - Administrative Leadership
University of Oklahoma
Some college (no degree) - Occupational Safety
Eastern Kentucky University
Associate degree - Ammunition Management and Safety
Eastern Oklahoma State College