Top 10 Quality Assurance Leaders in Aerospace and Defense Industry - 2025

Tim Dutson, Director of Quality at Intergalactic, has spent the past four years building a robust quality management system that meets industry standards and drives improvement. With experience at L3 Harris and Raytheon, he brings deep expertise in supplier quality, Six Sigma and cross-functional leadership. He oversees quality, configuration management, operations and support functions, with a focus on collaboration, process optimization and growth.

Timothy Sprenger is an accomplished Quality Assurance professional with extensive experience in the aerospace industry. Currently serving as Director of Quality Assurance at StandardAero, he specializes in regulatory compliance, process improvement and team leadership. His career includes key roles at NORDAM and Utex Industries, reflecting a strong background in operations and manufacturing.

Aaron Harvey is the co-founder of the Made of Millions Foundation, a global mental health advocacy nonprofit. Since 2016, he has been instrumental in growing the organization’s reach to millions of users, with a mission to destigmatize mental health issues and provide accessible resources for those in need.

Olatokunbo O. Olaniyan is the Quality Director at Leonardo DRS, where he brings deep expertise in implementing and sustaining quality management systems. He leads quality teams and champions diversity and inclusion through initiatives such as the 'Shades of Success' employee resource group.

Jessica Milmeister is a seasoned professional in enterprise quality and compliance, currently pursuing an MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Her expertise spans strategy, operations, organizational design and process engineering. She was notably featured in The Wall Street Journal for using LEGO bricks to enhance workplace communication and creativity.

Ashley Raksnys is the Director of Quality Assurance at Northrop Grumman, a leading aerospace and defense company. She oversees quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and improving product reliability. Her leadership strengthens the company’s mission to deliver high-quality solutions in support of national security and defense.

Ken Hamm is an accomplished aerospace program manager and quality leader with expertise in TQM, Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement. He has a proven track record in managing complex programs, optimizing supply chains, leading cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Jedadiah Jamerson is an MBA and U.S. Navy Veteran serving as Director of Quality at Curtiss-Wright Corporation. He is a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and is passionate about quality, continuous improvement, and driving operational excellence across complex organizations.

Jeremiah Clark is a seasoned Aerospace Quality Engineering Manager with 20+ years’ experience, Marine Corps aviation roots, and proven leadership at Virgin Galactic, Orbital ATK, and Northrop Grumman. He is an Award-winning expert in RCCA, CAPA, AS9100, DoD compliance, mentoring high-performing teams, mission assurance, and advancing aerospace innovation.

Scott Fairburn is an experienced nuclear quality assurance professional. His experience includes quality assurance management for commercial and advanced nuclear reactor design and testing, as well as quality management for nuclear products manufactured for domestic and international government agencies and private sector businesses.