QUALITY MANAGER

Location: Johnson Creek, WI
Employment Type: Full-time, on-site
Reports To: Director of Operations
Pay Range: Competitive base salary based on experience, plus eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus

Position Overview

Saelens is a growing precision manufacturing company seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to lead our Johnson Creek Quality team and own the company's IATF 16949 quality-management system. This position will partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and customers to strengthen quality processes, resolve concerns, and reduce recurring defects.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop Quality Engineers, Technicians, Inspectors, and other assigned employees.
• Own and maintain the IATF 16949 quality-management system.
• Lead internal, customer, certification, surveillance, and recertification audits.
• Manage customer complaints, corrective actions, returns, scorecards, and quality escalations.
• Oversee root-cause analysis, 8D investigations, and corrective and preventive actions.
• Support APQP, PPAPs, control plans, PFMEAs, SPC, MSA, and new-product launches.
• Oversee inspection, metrology, calibration, CMM, and nonconforming-material processes.
• Monitor quality performance and communicate risks, trends, and improvement priorities.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve processes and prevent recurring issues.

Requirements

Qualifications
• Five or more years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility.
• Experience owning or maintaining an IATF 16949 quality-management system.
• Experience leading internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AIAG core tools, and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience with CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or automotive manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Working Conditions
• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular time on the production floor is required to observe processes, gather information, and verify documentation.
• Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated manufacturing areas.
• Position involves regular computer work, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes insurance coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and additional voluntary benefits.