Quality Manager - Manufacturing

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Quality Manager leads the quality function and owns our ISO 9001 certified quality management system. This hands-on role oversees inspection, gauging, and calibration across the CNC machining, metal stamping, fabrication, tool and die, and automation departments; manages nonconformance and corrective action; and serves as the main quality contact for customers, suppliers, and our registrar.

The ideal candidate is a practical, shop-floor leader who works alongside department managers to build quality into the process, not just inspect it at the end, and who uses data to find root causes and keep improvements in place.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System: Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001 quality management system. Own quality procedures, work instructions, forms, and document control. Lead management review and track quality objectives.
Audits & Certification: Manage NADCAP certification, and day-to-day execution of FAIR (First Article Inspection Reports).Plan and conduct internal audits. Host registrar surveillance and recertification audits and customer audits, and drive timely closure of all findings.
Inspection & Measurement: Oversee first article, in-process, and final inspection. Develop inspection plans from blueprints and customer specifications. Manage the gauge calibration program and measurement equipment.
Nonconformance & Corrective Action: Manage nonconforming material, holds, and disposition. Lead root cause analysis (5 Why, fishbone, 8D) and ensure corrective and preventive actions are effective and closed on time.
Customer Quality: Act as the primary quality contact for customers. Respond to complaints and returns, prepare certifications and quality documentation, and support new part launches and PPAP when required.
Supplier Quality: Maintain the approved supplier list, monitor supplier performance, review material certifications, and work with Purchasing to resolve supplier quality issues.
Data & Reporting: Track and report quality KPIs including scrap, rework, internal and customer defect rates, and corrective action status. Share results with leadership and department managers.
Leadership & Training: Lead, train, and mentor inspection staff. Train operators and machinists on inspection methods, quality standards, and work instructions.
Collaboration & Improvement: Work closely with the Press Shop, Tool Room, Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to prevent defects, support 5S and process improvement, and promote a culture of accountability and safety.

JOB QUALIFICATION:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
5+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment (machining, metal stamping, fabrication, or tool and die preferred), including 2+ years in a quality leadership role.
Working knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements and experience maintaining a certified quality system, including internal and external audits.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment.
Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
A positive attitude that supports safety, cleanliness, and teamwork.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CMQ/OE) or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training.
CMM operation or programming experience.
Experience with Military Specifications / Standards
Experience with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, control plans, and SPC.
Experience in a tool and die, precision machining, or custom manufacturing environment.