Position Overview
The QC Manager will oversee all Quality Control and Quality Assurance operations at our Buellton manufacturing facility, ensuring products meet Spectron’s high standards as well as all customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements. This leadership role is responsible for daily QC activities, inspection oversight, compliance management, documentation accuracy, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced Aerospace & Defense manufacturing environment.
The QC Manager will supervise QC staff, coordinate inspection workflows, manage nonconformance and corrective actions, support internal and external audits, and ensure our AS9100-compliant quality management system is operating effectively. This role requires strong technical inspection knowledge, including CMM proficiency, as well as leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Lead, train, and mentor QC Technicians and Inspectors; manage daily assignments and workload.
- Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and support employee development.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, Machining, and Management teams.
Quality Control & Inspection Oversight
- Oversee in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure adherence to specifications and customer requirements.
- Set up and perform precision inspections when needed using calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauges, comparators, CMM, and other test equipment.
- Manage the creation, review, and approval of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) per AS9102.
- Ensure all inspection documentation (FAIR, inspection reports, NCRs, C of C, PPAP, Cp, Cpk) is accurate and complete.
- Support machinists and production personnel in understanding inspection methods, GD&T, and blueprint requirements.
CMM & Technical Responsibilities
- Oversee CMM operations, including program creation, maintenance, and verification of measurement programs.
- Ensure CMM, comparator, and all precision measurement tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
- Troubleshoot measurement challenges and ensure accurate, repeatable inspection results.
- Work to integrate CMM with Factory1 software to ensure data accuracy and expediency of the quality control process
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure QC processes comply with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer-specific requirements, and internal standards.
- Lead internal audits and support external audits (AS9100, customer audits, etc.).
- Maintain and update quality-related SOPs, work instructions, inspection procedures, and quality records.
- Lead investigations of defects and nonconformances; perform root cause analysis and drive CAPA activities.
- Prepare documentation and coordinate responses for regulatory or customer compliance requests.
- Be capable of reading and creating masking prints or outside process prints as well as communicating needs to suppliers and buying off masking samples before processing begins
Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Management
- Oversee NCR documentation, root cause identification, and corrective/preventive actions to closure.
- Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quality issues.
- Ensure timely resolution of product deviations to meet customer and contractual requirements. Communicate clearly and proactively these issues to the customer.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
- Recommend improvements to inspection methods, workflows, and QC procedures.
- Use data analysis to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Be able to review prints for manufacturability when it comes to tolerancing and finishing during our quoting or onboarding processes.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent technical experience.
- 5+ years in Quality Control/Quality Assurance within aerospace, defense, precision machining, or manufacturing.
- 3+ years in a leadership, supervisor, or manager role preferred.
- Strong experience with AS9100 quality systems.
- Proficiency with CMM programming and operation required.
- Machining, engineering, manufacturing, or inspection background strongly preferred.
Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
- Experience performing or overseeing FAIR, PPAP, PFMEA, Cp/Cpk analysis, Certificates of Conformance, and NCR processes.
- Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP (plus), and aerospace documentation requirements.
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection equipment (CMM, comparator, Keyence microscope, gauges, micrometers, etc.).
- Familiarity with SolidWorks, Fusion or similar CAD systems preferred.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
- Professional, clear verbal and written communication.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced production environment.
- Team-oriented mindset with steady leadership presence.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing environment with prolonged standing or sitting as inspections require.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Full-time on-site role with occasional overtime during audit cycles or production spikes.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly or salaried pay depending on experience.
- Annual performance bonuses as applicable.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits (employer contribution levels per company policy).
- Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays.
- 401K with company contribution/profit sharing once eligible.
About Spectron LLC
We are a thriving, people-focused Aerospace & Defense manufacturing company based in Buellton, CA. Quality is at the core of who we are—our team takes pride in delivering “First in Class” quality components with excellent on-time performance and minimal defects. We are looking for a QC Manager who shares our passion for excellence, continuous improvement, and supporting a collaborative, hard-working team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Can you read and understanding drawings/blueprints in both metric and English measurements?
Experience:
- Tooling - Micrometer, Caliper, Drop Gauge, Indicators: 2 years (Required)
- Quality control: 2 years (Required)
- CMM, Optical Comparator or optical microscope: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- ASQ Certified (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
