Project Quality Manager

Project Quality Manager Job family: QHSE Management | Business area: Hydropower | Contract type: Permanent | Contract location: Charlotte, NC, US | Working location: Charlotte Summary of the Role We are seeking a Senior Supplier & Project Quality Engineer to join our Hydro Division, working across supplier facilities, manufacturing sites, and project locations. This role serves as the quality focal point for both supplier qualification and full project execution — ensuring that all procured components and project quality deliverables meet design specifications, contractual requirements and our stringent quality standards throughout the lifecycle of our equipment. Responsibilities Qualify, assess, and continuously monitor suppliers of critical hydro components (runner blades, wicket gates, generator windings, shafts, flanges, seals, instrumentation, etc.). Conduct supplier audits (QMS, process, and product) at manufacturing facilities worldwide, including gap assessments against ISO 9001 and sector‑specific standards. Define, develop and enforce project and supplier quality plans, inspection & test plans (ITPs), and first article inspection (FAI) requirements. Evaluate and approve supplier quality documentation packages: material certifications, NDT reports, dimensional reports, weld procedures, and related records. Track and drive closure of supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and monitor supplier quality KPIs. Act as quality focal point for assigned hydro projects from contract award through equipment commissioning. Review and approve project quality plans and quality deliverables in alignment with contract requirements and applicable standards (IEC, ASME, EN, ISO). Coordinate and witness third‑party inspections (TPI) and factory acceptance tests (FATs) at supplier and manufacturing facilities. Manage non‑conformance reports (NCRs), deviation requests, and waivers; evaluate technical impact and ensure proper disposition and root cause analysis. Interface directly with customers and their representatives on quality‑related matters, including site inspections and quality hold points. Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Division Quality Management System in compliance with ISO 9001 and project‑specific requirements. Analyze quality data and trends; identify systemic issues and drive corrective action processes (8D, Ishikawa, 5‑Why). Participate in design reviews and risk assessments (FMEA) to embed quality early in the product lifecycle. Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to training initiatives across the quality function. Drive lessons‑learned processes and support resource and budget planning for the quality function. Serve as the subject‑matter expert for special processes such as welding, painting and high‑precision machining. Qualifications Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering or related discipline. Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive quality engineering experience in heavy industrial manufacturing—hydropower, power generation, turbomachinery, oil & gas, nuclear or aerospace preferred. Ability to travel to supplier sites and project facilities worldwide (up to 40%). Skills and Knowledge Strong working knowledge of relevant standards: ISO 9001, IEC 60034, IEC 60041, ASME, EN 1090, ASTM. Subject‑matter expert in fabrication, machining & heavy mechanical/electrical assembly. Demonstrated experience in supplier quality management, including global supply chain auditing and corrective action management (SCAR, 8D, Ishikawa, 5‑Why). Good understanding of large rotating equipment, pressure vessels, castings, forgings and high‑voltage electrical equipment. Good understanding of quality inspection, GD&T measurement, NDT techniques (UT, MT, PT), weld inspection and dimensional verification. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; able to work constructively with suppliers, customers and multidisciplinary project teams across cultures and time zones. Strong technical writing skills—able to produce clear quality plans, inspection procedures and NCR dispositions. Strong soft skills including leadership, analytical thinking, critical problem‑solving, time management, autonomy and resilience. Assets Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or NDT Level II/III certification. Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. PMP certification. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Andritz AG