About This Role We're standing up a new manufacturing facility and need a Quality Manager to build the quality function from the ground up. You'll own incoming, in-process, and final inspection, nonconformance disposition, and corrective action, with independent authority to hold product when it doesn't meet spec. This is a chance to design the inspection plans, calibration systems, and QMS for a brand-new precision CNC operation, not just inherit someone else's. You'll lead Quality Engineers and QA/Inspection Technicians as the team grows, and be the final word on what leaves the building.
Responsibilities - Own incoming, in-process, and final inspection for the manufacturing facility, including inspection plans and first-article inspection.
- Hold independent authority to stop work or hold product whenever quality requires it, regardless of schedule pressure.
- Lead nonconformance disposition and drive corrective action and root-cause closure on recurring defects.
- Establish and maintain the facility's calibration program and measurement system integrity.
- Build and maintain the QMS, document control, and inspection records for a new facility, with an eye toward AS9100/ISO 9001 readiness.
- Hire, deploy, and develop Quality Engineers and QA/Inspection Technicians as the team scales.
- Report quality performance, escapes, and risk to the Plant Manager and leadership.
Basic Qualifications - Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
- Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
- Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals even with partial information.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on quality management experience.
- 7+ years in quality roles within CNC machining or precision manufacturing, including experience standing up or scaling a quality function.
Preferred Skills and Experience - Experience in a fast-paced engineering or highly technical environment, with a resourceful approach to delivering under tight timelines or budget constraints.
- Experience building or maintaining a QMS to AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards.
- Hands-on experience with CMM, optical comparators, or other precision inspection equipment.
- Direct experience supporting a new or growing CNC machine shop, including new part qualification.
- Working knowledge of GD&T and print interpretation for precision-machined parts.
- Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace, defense, or nuclear) is a plus.
Additional Requirements - Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
Compensation and Benefits The base salary range for this role is $120k - $160k annually.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
