Technique is looking for a Quality Manager to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. Reporting to the Director of Quality, this high-ranking, customer-facing leadership role is responsible for the quality of all Technique products across fabrication and assembly operations. The Quality Manager supports day-to-day execution of the established QMS, drives continuous improvement, leads the Quality department, and owns customer-facing quality performance - including KPIs such as PPM, COPQ, scrap rate, first-pass yield, and on-time PPAP submission.
The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of production manufacturing quality experience with a B.S. in Engineering or a related field, and fluency in AIAG core tools (APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, SPC). ASQ credentials (CMQ/OE, CQE, CQA) and working knowledge of ISO 9001 are required, with familiarity in AS9100 and/or IATF 16949 as a benefit. Experience leading quality teams, conducting internal audits, and managing welding/fabrication and special process quality is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Customer Quality Leadership - Serve as the lead organizational contact for customer quality concerns; investigate complaints and lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) using 8D, 5 Why, and CI methodologies.
- Customer Source Inspections - Coordinate customer source inspections and drive corrective actions to eliminate root causes of nonconformance.
- Complaint Response Management - Manage customer complaint response timelines and ensure on-time closure of corrective actions.
- Customer Representation - Professionally represent the company with customer quality representatives and auditors.
- Quality KPI Ownership - Own and report quality KPIs including PPM, COPQ, scrap rate, first-pass yield, and on-time PPAP submission.
- QMS Support & Continuous Improvement - Support the established QMS and drive continuous improvement of quality processes in alignment with ISO 9001.
- Internal Audit Program - Support the internal audit program: conduct audits, train auditors, and drive corrective action follow-up.
- Management Review Inputs - Provide inputs to Management Review and apply risk-based thinking in day-to-day quality decisions.
- Document Control - Manage controlled documents pertaining to quality submissions and follow established document control procedures.
- Calibration Program - Manage the calibration program including gage control, recall, and measurement equipment qualification.
- Nonconforming Material Control - Oversee nonconforming material control and MRB disposition decisions.
- APQP & PFMEA - Lead APQP phase gates and launch readiness; develop and maintain PFMEAs (severity, occurrence, detection, AP).
- Control Plans - Own Control Plans linked to PFMEA outputs; drive floor-level inspection and process monitoring.
- PPAP & First Article - Oversee PPAP and First Article submissions through Levels 1-5, including PSW packages.
- MSA & SPC - Apply MSA (Gage R&R, bias, linearity, stability) and SPC (Cpk/Ppk) to drive process control.
- Welding & Fabrication Quality - Apply familiarity with AWS compliance; WPS/PQR/WPQ documentation; visual, dye penetrant, and magnetic particle inspection; and CWI coordination.
- Assembly Quality - Oversee torque verification and tool calibration, error-proofing (poka-yoke), sub-assembly traceability, and functional test protocols.
- Special Process Audits - Conduct special process audits in accordance with applicable CQI standards.
- Supplier Quality & Incoming Inspection - Own the incoming inspection program, supplier scorecards, PPM tracking, and supplier corrective action; oversee outsourced process control.
- Inspection Fixtures & Laser Scanning - Review and evaluate inspection holding fixtures, component parts, and assembly inspection fixtures; direct laser scanning programs (Polyworks).
- Process Improvement Collaboration - Work with manufacturing teams to adjust fixtures and processes to improve part quality.
- Team Leadership & Development - Coach quality team members; lead and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors; hire, train, and conduct performance management.
- Employee Training - Train employees in QMS, quality control, RCCA, inspection, and fixturing methodology.
Requirements:
- B.A. or B.S. in Engineering, Quality Control, or related field preferred
- Minimum 10 years of related quality experience in production manufacturing
- ASQ membership and CMQ/OE preferred; CQE, CQA, or CWI a plus
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced production environment
- Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and blueprint reading; knowledge of QA regulatory requirements and corrective action methodologies
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 required; familiarity with AS9100 and/or IATF 16949 a benefit
- AIAG core tool fluency: APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, SPC
- Knowledge of PSW, Dimensional Reports, Material Performance Test Results, MSA, AAR, SDS, IMDS, CDX, and various Customer Approval processes
- Familiarity with CQI special process audits (CQI-12 Coating, CQI-15 Welding); structured problem solving (8D, 5 Why)
- Knowledge of welding inspection
- Knowledge of sample/master retention protocols and qualified laboratory documentation (A2LA, ISO 17025)
- Strong computer skills, Microsoft Office
- QMS internal auditor training required; lead auditor certification preferred
- Experience with metal stamping, fabrication, welding, assembly, and powder coat processes preferred
- Active, working management position requiring regular production floor presence; must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, and occasionally lift up to 35 pounds
- Vision requirements: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Frequent exposure to fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, vibration, and loud noise; appropriate PPE required
- Travel is primarily local during the business day, with occasional out-of-area or overnight travel for customer engagements, supplier visits, and audit support
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Matching
- Professional Development
- Referral Program
- Paid Training
- On The Job Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
Other Duties: This job description is not a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities; duties may change at any time with or without notice.