Quality Assurance Manager
A Leading Brake & Clutch Manufacturer
The Carlyle Johnson Machine Company, LLC has been an industry leader in continuous operation for over 100 years. We design, build, and manufacture clutches, brakes, and power transmission products. There are hundreds of thousands of applications where our products are in operation, and we are proud of our reputation as one of the world's leading brake and clutch manufacturers.
Carlyle Johnson is a leading industrial brake and clutch manufacturer. With a focus on new applications, we combine the latest technology, industry-leading engineering, and product development experience. CJM offers both standard products and customized solutions of the highest quality.
We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality area in a high-mix/low-volume aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This role reports to VP Engineering & Product Quality and
is responsible for maintaining and improving an AS9100 Rev D-compliant Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with customer requirements, and driving continuous improvement across quality operations.
This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage quality requirements across diverse product lines and complex manufacturing processes.
What You Will Contribute:
Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain and continuously improve the AS9100 Rev D Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring ongoing certification and audit readiness.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, and applicable industry standards.
- Lead internal, customer, and third-party audits, including AS9100 certification audits.
- Manage configuration control, document control, and revision management processes.
Operations & Product Quality
- Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities to ensure product conformity.
- Ensure effective First Article Inspection (FAI) execution in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
- Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing on new product introduction (NPI), process improvements, and change management initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with traceability, serialization, and documentation requirements.
Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities.
- Analyze quality trends and implement systemic improvements.
- Champion risk-based thinking, product safety, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Supplier & Customer Quality
- Manage supplier quality activities, including qualification, audits, and corrective actions.
- Serve as the primary quality contact for customers, auditors, and regulatory representatives.
- Ensure compliance with customer flow-down requirements and contractual quality obligations.
Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Quality personnel.
- Establish departmental goals, monitor performance metrics, and promote a culture of accountability and quality excellence.
- Provide training on quality systems, inspection methods, and regulatory requirements.
Other Functions:
- Perform related duties as required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications & Competencies:
- Work Authorization: Due to U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person as defined under ITAR or otherwise be eligible to access export-controlled information.
- Travel Required: Up to 25% of domestic and international travel occasionally for customer visits, supplier audits, and training.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field.
- 3-5 years of quality leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience with AS9100 Rev D and aerospace quality requirements.
Technical Knowledge
- AS9100 Rev D Quality Management Systems
- AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI)
- Root Cause Analysis and CAPA methodologies
- Configuration Management and Change Control
- GD&T, metrology, and inspection techniques
- ERP/MRP systems and serialized product environments
Preferred Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) and/or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
- AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and collaboration across departments
- High attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance
Mental and physical requirements:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be highly mobile, able to access all areas of the premises in the office and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to concentrate and remain focused while prioritizing multiple tasks, responsibilities, and projects.
- Ability to stand for prolonged period of times.
- Able to perform bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, and lifting of moderate to heavyweight material up to 50 lbs. with assistance from equipment or other employees.
- Ability to frequently use hands and arms.
- Vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Ringfeder Power Transmission USA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status under federal, state, or Connecticut law.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
