Director, Product Quality (Hardware)

Job description

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives. WHOOP is seeking a Director of Product Quality to lead the strategy, execution, and evolution of Product Quality across WHOOP's Hardware and Accessories & Apparel (A&A) portfolio. This leader will be responsible for ensuring every product launches with exceptional quality through disciplined risk management, robust validation, and scalable quality systems while building the operating mechanisms that govern product quality throughout the product lifecycle: including new product introduction, launch readiness, and post-launch product changes. Working closely with Hardware Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Reliability, and Field Quality, you will build and lead a world-class Product Quality organization that enables exceptional member experiences from concept through product lifecycle management. **RESPONSIBILITIES:** - Define and execute the Product Quality strategy across Hardware and Accessories & Apparel (A&A), spanning New Product Introduction (NPI), launch readiness, product change management, and product lifecycle quality. - Lead Product Quality across the development lifecycle by driving quality planning, risk management, validation & verification, and manufacturing readiness in partnership with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Reliability, Operations, and Manufacturing Engineering. - Own Product Change Management by establishing the operating model, governance, and quality decision gates (e.g., OK2PVT, OK2Ship) that ensure engineering changes are appropriately assessed, validated, approved, and deployed throughout the product lifecycle. - Establish Product Quality operating mechanisms, quality metrics, and executive reporting that provide visibility into launch readiness, product quality, organizational performance, and opportunities for continuous improvement. - Build and develop a high-performing Product Quality organization across Hardware and A&A, coaching managers and engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. - Partner with Quality leadership peers to build and own a world class closed loop QMS to effectively collect field performance data and feed it into the product development process. - Serve as the Product Quality leader across the organization, influencing product strategy and driving alignment across Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and Field Quality to deliver exceptional member experiences. - Willingness and able to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally to partners, suppliers, and contract manufacturers **QUALIFICATIONS:** - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline; Master's degree preferred. - 15+ years of experience leading Product Quality, NPI Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Product Engineering organizations supporting high-volume consumer electronics, wearables, consumer products, or similarly complex hardware, including significant people leadership experience. - Demonstrated success defining quality strategy and building scalable operating mechanisms that improve product readiness, launch quality, and organizational performance. - Deep expertise in quality systems and methodologies including DFMEA, PFMEA, CTQ, SPC, MSA, DOE, root cause analysis, CAPA/8D, Design for Manufacturability, and statistical quality methods. - Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Operations, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and external partners in fast-paced environments. - Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturing partners throughout product development and product launch. - Excellent communication, analytical, and systems-thinking skills with the ability to translate complex technical and operational data into clear priorities and business decisions. - Strong commitment to embracing and leveraging AI tools in day-to-day tasks, ensuring AI-assisted work aligns with the same high-quality standards as personal contributions. ***This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.*** *Interested in the role, but don’t meet every qualification? We encourage you to still apply! At WHOOP, we believe there is much more to a candidate than what is written on paper, and we value character as much as experience. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, we encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply.* *WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in* [*E-verify*](https://www.e-verify.gov/) *to determine employment eligibility* *The WHOOP compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.* *At WHOOP, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of WHOOP and share in the company’s long-term growth and success.* *The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $200,000-$245,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training.* *In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.* *These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate’s specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role’s requirements.*