AISC Certified Structural Steel Fabrication Shop
Position Title
Quality Manager
Reports To: the President
Position Summary
The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS) for an AISC Certified structural steel fabrication facility. This role ensures compliance with AISC certification requirements, project specifications, customer requirements, applicable codes and standards, and company quality objectives. The Quality Manager leads quality assurance and quality control activities throughout the fabrication process, promotes a culture of quality, and serves as the primary contact for audits, inspections, and certification activities.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesQuality Management System
- Maintain and administer the company's AISC-compliant Quality Management System.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable AISC Certification Program requirements.
- Develop, update, and control quality procedures, work instructions, forms, and records.
- Conduct regular reviews and audits of the quality system to verify effectiveness.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives based on quality metrics and audit findings.
Inspection and Quality Control
- Oversee inspection and testing activities throughout production processes.
- Ensure compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, AWS welding codes, and applicable industry standards.
- Review fabrication drawings and quality requirements prior to production.
- Monitor fabrication operations to verify adherence to approved procedures.
- Manage nonconforming material and product processes, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Verify completion and retention of all required inspection documentation.
Audits and Compliance
- Coordinate and lead AISC certification audits and surveillance visits.
- Prepare documentation and records required for internal, customer, and third-party audits.
- Conduct internal audits and report findings to management.
- Monitor corrective and preventive actions until closure.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA safety requirements as they pertain to quality activities.
Welding Quality Management
- Maintain welding-related quality documentation including:
- Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
- Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
- Welder Qualification Records (WQTR)
- Verify welder qualifications remain current and compliant.
- Support implementation of AWS D1.1 and applicable welding standards.
- Coordinate with welding inspectors and outside testing agencies as required.
Supplier and Material Quality
- Review material certifications and traceability documentation.
- Monitor incoming material inspections and supplier quality performance.
- Ensure material identification and traceability requirements are maintained.
- Investigate supplier quality issues and implement corrective actions when required.
Customer and Project Support
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality-related matters.
- Participate in project kickoff meetings and review quality requirements.
- Address customer concerns, complaints, and quality inquiries.
- Support project teams in meeting quality and documentation requirements.
Leadership and Training
- Supervise quality inspectors and quality personnel as applicable.
- Develop and conduct quality training programs for fabrication personnel.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality awareness.
- Provide quality performance reports to management.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Quality Management, Welding Technology, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of quality management or quality control experience in structural steel fabrication.
- Experience managing quality systems within an AISC Certified environment.
- Strong knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes.
- Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel.
- Experience conducting audits and managing corrective actions.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality documentation systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
- Quality certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQM, or equivalent.
- Experience with ISO 9001 quality management principles.
- Experience working with structural steel fabrication, fracture critical work, and coating inspection programs.
- Lead Auditor training or audit experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough understanding of AISC Certification requirements.
- Strong organizational and documentation management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to interact effectively with customers, auditors, management, and production personnel.
- Strong leadership and coaching capabilities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful maintenance of AISC Certification.
- Internal and external audit performance.
- Reduction in nonconforming products and rework costs.
- Corrective action closure rates.
- Customer quality performance ratings.
- On-time completion of quality documentation.
- Quality-related project punch list items.
- Supplier quality performance metrics.
Working Conditions
- Combination of office and shop-floor environment.
- Frequent walking throughout fabrication facilities.
- Exposure to manufacturing environments including noise, welding operations, and moving equipment.
- Occasional travel for audits, training, customer meetings, and industry conferences.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk, stand, bend, and climb stairs throughout the workday.
- Ability to perform shop inspections in active fabrication environments.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a hands-on quality leader with deep knowledge of AISC certification requirements, structural steel fabrication, welding quality systems, and continuous improvement processes. They will be comfortable working directly with shop personnel while maintaining the rigor required to ensure compliance, customer satisfaction, and successful audit outcomes.
Pay: $72,347.48 - $87,128.14 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person