Position Summary Salaried _ Exempt
The Quality Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the site Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001, NADCAP, and applicable customer and regulatory requirements. This is a hands-on leadership role suited for a quality professional who is equally comfortable working on the shop floor and managing audit readiness, corrective actions, and quality system documentation. The Quality Manager serves as the Management Representative for the QMS, owns the internal and external audit program, leads the CAPA process, and partners with Operations and Engineering to drive measurable reductions in nonconformances, escapes, and cost of poor quality across the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality Management System (QMS)
- Own, maintain, and continuously improve the site QMS in full compliance with AS9100D and ISO 9001 requirements.
- Serve as the Management Representative to ensure QMS processes are established, implemented, and maintained; report QMS performance to site leadership.
- Maintain the document control system ensure all controlled documents, procedures, work instructions, and forms are current, approved, and accessible.
- Conduct and lead the Management Review process; prepare QMS performance data and present findings and improvement recommendations to leadership.
- Ensure quality objectives are defined, communicated, measured, and reviewed on a defined cadence.
Audits, Internal, Customer & Third-Party
- Plan, schedule, and lead the internal audit program in accordance with AS9100D ensure all QMS processes and clauses are audited on a defined frequency.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external audits AS9100D surveillance and recertification, NADCAP audits, and customer source inspections.
- Coordinate audit preparation across departments; ensure all records, procedures, and evidence are audit-ready at all times, not just during scheduled audits.
- Track, respond to, and close all audit findings internal and external within committed timeframes with verified, effective corrective actions.
- Maintain audit schedules, findings log, and closure records as controlled documents within the QMS.
Nonconformance & CAPA Management
- Own the Nonconformance Report (NCR) process ensure all internal and customer nonconformances are documented, dispositioned, and closed in a timely manner.
- Lead and facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) for quality escapes, repeat nonconformances, and customer complaints using structured methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
- Drive the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process ensure actions are assigned, implemented, verified for effectiveness, and closed on schedule.
- Analyze NCR and escape data for trends identify systemic issues and initiate preventive actions before they become recurring problems.
- Maintain the CAPA log and provide regular status updates to the Plant Manager and operations leadership.
NADCAP Compliance
- Maintain NADCAP accreditation for all applicable special processes performed at the site Welding, Heat Treatment, and any additional accredited disciplines.
- Ensure all NADCAP-controlled processes are performed by qualified personnel using approved procedures, equipment, and materials.
- Manage NADCAP audit preparation, submission, and response activities; coordinate with process owners and operators to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Track NADCAP audit findings and Merit status; implement corrective actions and monitor for sustained compliance between audit cycles.
Inspection & Product Quality
- Oversee all receiving, in-process, and final inspection activities ensure inspection plans, criteria, and acceptance standards are defined and followed for every part number.
- Ensure First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements are planned, executed, and documented per AS9100D and customer requirements.
- Review and approve inspection plans, sampling plans, and quality plans for new jobs, customer contracts, and special process requirements.
- Manage the calibration program ensure all measurement and test equipment is identified, calibrated on schedule, and records are maintained per QMS requirements.
- Investigate and disposition all nonconforming material coordinate with Engineering and Operations on use-as-is, rework, or scrap decisions.
Customer Quality & Communication
- Serve as the primary quality point of contact for customer quality representatives, source inspectors, and supplier quality teams.
- Review and flow down customer quality requirements to internal procedures, inspection plans, and work instructions.
- Respond to customer quality escapes, complaints, and corrective action requests prepare 8D reports, RCA documentation, and corrective action responses within committed timeframes.
- Support customer source inspections and on-site audits; ensure all required documentation and evidence is available and organized.
People & Team Development
- Lead and develop Quality Inspector(s) and QA staff provide daily direction, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Establish and maintain a quality training matrix for the QA team; ensure all direct reports are trained and qualified for their assigned inspection and process responsibilities.
- Promote a culture of quality ownership across the site partner with Operations to build accountability at the source, not just at inspection.
- Support the Quality at the Source (QATS) operator certification program and ongoing compliance monitoring.
- Team-oriented, fostering a positive work environment by offering constructive feedback, supporting colleagues, and mediating conflict and does well with problem solving
Technical skills
- Working knowledge of AS9100D clause structure and requirements. Able to apply, not just recite.
- Proficiency with root cause analysis tools 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa.
- Experience with document control systems and controlled QMS documentation.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and material/process specifications.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with ERP quality modules preferred.
- ASQ CQE, CQA, or equivalent certification is a plus - not required.
Experience
- 5+ years of quality experience in a precision manufacturing environment aerospace, defense, or similar regulated industry required.
- Demonstrated experience managing or supporting a QMS in an AS9100D or ISO 9001 certified environment.
- Hands-on experience with NADCAP compliance participation in audits, process control, or corrective action response preferred.
- Prior experience in a supervisory or lead quality role with direct reports preferred; strong individual contributors with team leadership potential will be considered.
Competencies
- Strong leadership presence able to hold the organization accountable to quality standards without creating adversarial dynamics.
- Clear written and verbal communicator able to present quality data to leadership and respond to customers professionally.
- Detail-oriented and organized; manages multiple open actions and audit items simultaneously without dropping threads.
- Proactive problem-solver, escalates risks early and drives closure with urgency.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, company environment where priorities shift and hands-on involvement is expected.
Regulations
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident
- Ability to pass a background check consistent with ITAR, NADCAP, and AS9100D site requirements.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required for customer site visits, supplier audits, or industry training.
Join us as an Aerospace Quality Manager to lead with energy, uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, and contribute to groundbreaking aerospace innovations!
Pay: $112,000.00 - $124,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- As an Aerospace and defense Manufacturing company ITAR regulations apply
Education:
Experience:
- Quality assurance, management + process improvement: 5 years (Preferred)
- Aerospace Manufacturing inspections: 5 years (Preferred)
- Process improvement tools Six Sigma: 5 years (Preferred)
- Hands-on NADCAP audits, corrective action: 5 years (Preferred)
Language:
- Bilingual | English and Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CQM Certified Quality Manager experience ISO 9001 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
