Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance ManagerThe Quality Assurance Manager provides leadership and oversight of the company's ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management System (QMS) while supporting a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on electronics and complex assemblies. This role manages quality system activities, internal and supplier audits, corrective and preventive actions, inspection operations, and the development of a high-performing quality team. The position is ideal for an experienced Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, Quality Systems Manager, or Quality Manager who is ready to expand leadership responsibilities, drive continuous improvement, and support business growth and operational objectives.ResponsibilitiesManage and maintain the ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management System, ensuring it effectively supports manufacturing operations and business objectives.Serve as the primary quality representative for internal stakeholders and external parties on all quality-related requirements.Maintain and update quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, and related documentation to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance.Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process enhancements across the organization to strengthen quality performance.Partner with leadership to ensure quality objectives are aligned with strategic goals and that compliance requirements are consistently met.Lead and execute internal quality audits to verify adherence to QMS procedures and standards.Coordinate customer, certification, and external audits, ensuring preparation, execution, and follow-up actions are managed effectively.Ensure audit findings are documented, analyzed, and addressed through effective corrective actions and preventive measures.Monitor ongoing compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations.Conduct supplier quality evaluations and audits to assess capability, compliance, and performance.Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), ensuring timely resolution and sustainable improvements.Develop supplier quality metrics and performance improvement initiatives to strengthen the supply base.Support supplier qualification, onboarding, and development activities to ensure robust quality performance.Lead and mentor quality, inspection, and testing personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.Oversee inspection and electronics testing activities to ensure incoming, in-process, and final inspections meet defined quality requirements.Review and disposition nonconforming material, coordinating with cross-functional teams to determine appropriate actions.Partner closely with manufacturing teams to resolve quality concerns, improve product performance, and prevent recurrence of issues.Lead Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) programs, from issue identification through root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions.Analyze quality data, trends, and performance metrics to identify risks, opportunities, and priorities for improvement.Conduct root cause investigations for quality issues and implement corrective actions that address underlying causes.Present quality performance updates, audit results, and improvement plans to leadership, providing clear recommendations and status reports.Support customer quality investigations and corrective actions, ensuring timely, thorough responses and strong customer satisfaction.Maintain compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, including ISO 9001 and other relevant quality frameworks.Ensure quality systems and processes effectively support ongoing growth, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term customer satisfaction.Contribute to major manufacturing and infrastructure upgrade projects by defining quality requirements and ensuring robust implementation.Essential SkillsAt least 5 years of experience managing or leading a Quality Management System within a manufacturing environment.Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and their application in manufacturing operations.Hands-on experience conducting internal quality audits and supplier audits.Proven experience managing CAPA programs and nonconforming material processes.Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing quality, inspection, or manufacturing personnel.Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with leadership, customers, suppliers, and production teams.Robust problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.Experience in electronics manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, defense, medical device, or other regulated industries.Practical knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, and inspection processes in a manufacturing context.Experience with Quality Management System ownership, including documentation, procedures, and continuous improvement.Ability to manage supplier quality activities, including evaluations, audits, and SCARs.Capability to lead team-based quality initiatives and drive continuous improvement across operations.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with AS9100 and additional ISO quality standards.Experience in Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE), including supplier development and performance management.IPC certification experience, such as IPC-A-610 Inspector or equivalent electronics assembly standards.Experience supporting electronics assembly, manufacturing, or testing environments.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related discipline.Familiarity with nonconformance management and corrective action workflows.Experience presenting quality metrics and improvement plans to executive leadership.Demonstrated ability to build, strengthen, and scale quality systems and processes.Track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives and driving measurable quality improvements.Work EnvironmentThe role operates primarily within an internal quality and manufacturing environment, with roughly 70–80% of time focused on quality system ownership, documentation, and team leadership. Approximately 10–20% of time is dedicated to supplier quality activities and external audits, including visits with suppliers and participation in customer or certification audits. The position involves frequent interaction with leadership, customers, suppliers, and production personnel, requiring clear communication and collaboration across departments. The environment is centered on electronics manufacturing and complex assemblies, with active involvement in inspection and testing operations. This is a high-visibility role where the individual can make a tangible impact by building processes, strengthening compliance, supporting major manufacturing and infrastructure upgrade projects, and helping the organization scale. The company offers a stable setting with a strong reputation for quality and long-term growth, along with a competitive compensation package and opportunities to lead and shape the quality organization.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Maria, CA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Santa Maria, CA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.