Quality Assurance Manager

Metal Fabrication | Aerospace & Industrial Manufacturing
Location: Confidential | On-site

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Company Overview

A well-established, family-owned precision metal fabrication manufacturer is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead its Quality Management System (QMS) and oversee all quality assurance and quality control operations. The company specializes in complex sheet metal fabrication, heavy plate fabrication, structural welding, machining, finishing, powder coating, painting, and mechanical assembly, serving customers with demanding quality and regulatory requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on quality leader who enjoys building strong customer relationships, developing quality systems, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and working closely with production teams to ensure exceptional product quality.

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Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Department while maintaining and continuously improving the company's Quality Management System (QMS). This position serves as the primary point of contact for all customer quality matters, oversees internal and external audits, manages corrective action programs, and ensures compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.

The ideal candidate combines strong leadership skills with extensive hands-on experience in metal fabrication, machining, welding, inspection, and quality systems. This individual will collaborate with operations, engineering, and executive leadership to drive quality performance, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure customer satisfaction.

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Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System (QMS)

• Maintain, improve, and administer the company's Quality Management System in accordance with AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality performance and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.

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Customer Quality & Audit Management

• Serve as the primary customer contact for all quality-related issues and communications.
• Coordinate, prepare, and lead customer audits, certification audits, and quality system assessments.
• Build strong relationships with customers while ensuring timely resolution of quality concerns.
• Support new product introductions by ensuring quality requirements are properly implemented.

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Corrective Actions & Continuous Improvement

• Lead investigations involving non-conforming products and customer complaints.
• Facilitate Root Cause Analysis utilizing 8D, SCAR, RCCA, CAPA, 5-Why, Fishbone, and other structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop, implement, verify, and monitor corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
• Track quality metrics and recommend process improvements to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

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Quality Inspection & Manufacturing Support

• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
• Provide technical guidance regarding metal fabrication, machining, welding, painting, powder coating, and mechanical assembly quality requirements.
• Support inspection activities utilizing precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, thread gauges, tape measures, FARO Arm/CMM systems, and related inspection tools.
• Manage calibration systems and ensure inspection equipment remains compliant and properly maintained.

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Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Quality Control Inspectors and quality personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and employee development plans.
• Conduct AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality awareness training for production and support personnel.
• Promote a culture focused on quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline preferred (Associate's degree with equivalent experience will also be considered).
• Minimum of 5 years of Quality Assurance leadership experience within metal fabrication, machining, structural welding, aerospace, or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading customer audits and third-party certification audits.
• Experience managing corrective action programs utilizing 8D, SCAR, RCCA, CAPA, 5-Why, and Fishbone methodologies.
• Strong understanding of welding inspection, machining, fabrication, finishing, coating, and assembly processes.
• Experience supervising Quality Inspectors and leading cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and organizational skills.

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Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or similar certification.
• Experience with FARO Arm or other CMM inspection equipment.
• Knowledge of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement initiatives.

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