Quality Manager

Reports To: General Manager

Facility: 35 employee population to grow to 70 employees and hit $15mm within 12-18 months

Shift: Day Shift                         

Position Summary

The Quality Manager provides leadership for the site's Quality Assurance organization and is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving quality systems, policies, and compliance programs. The role champions a strong culture of quality while driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives, customer satisfaction, and AS9100 compliance across the facility.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Lead and develop the Quality team through coaching, performance management, and training.
2. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
3. Serve as the primary customer interface for quality-related issues.
4. Review purchase order quality requirements and ensure proper quality flow-down.
5. Interpret customer specifications and engineering drawings.
6. Lead APQP activities, including:
7. First Article Inspection (FAI)
8. FMEA
9. Process Flow Diagrams
10. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
11. Process Capability Studies
12. Control Plans
13. Run@Rate
14. 8D Corrective Actions
15. Resolve manufacturing and quality issues with customers and internal teams.
16. Conduct root cause analysis using DMAIC, PDCA, FMEA, and other structured problem-solving methods.
17. Develop and manage training programs using a Skills Matrix.
18. Create and improve quality procedures and work instructions.
19. Manage customer approval processes and sampling programs.
20. Develop quality metrics and reporting dashboards.
21. Maintain the AS9100 Quality Management System through internal audits.
22. Lead customer audits and corrective action responses.
23. Manage supplier quality and vendor corrective actions.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following:

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field plus 5+ years of quality experience in manufacturing; or
2. 15+ years of Quality experience with a high school diploma/GED.

Required Experience & Skills

1. 3+ years leading continuous improvement initiatives
2. Aerospace manufacturing quality experience
3. Strong understanding of:
4. AS9100
5. ISO standards
6. NADCAP
7. Quality Management Systems (QMS)
8. Blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation
9. Lean Manufacturing
10. Root Cause Analysis
11. Minitab
12. Microsoft Office
13. Leadership and employee development
14. Ability to use precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, etc.)
15. Strong written and verbal communication skills
16. Ability to travel occasionally
17. Must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. Person.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent)
2. Self-release experience (DSQR, SARA, DQCR, etc.)

Ideal Candidate Profile

From a recruiting perspective, the strongest candidates would likely have:

1. 8–15+ years in aerospace manufacturing quality leadership
2. Experience managing AS9100/NADCAP-certified facilities
3. Leadership of Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors
4. Expertise with APQP, PPAP, FAI, 8D, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and CAPA
5. Hands-on knowledge of precision CNC machining and turbine engine components
6. Strong customer-facing experience with aerospace OEMs such as Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, or Collins Aerospace
7. Proven success implementing Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement programs.