Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the leadership, administration, maintenance, and continual improvement of the KTS Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure continued compliance with customer, regulatory, industry, and internal requirements. This position oversees quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure products and processes consistently meet defined specifications, standards, and contractual obligations.

As the primary authority for product conformity, quality system compliance, and quality-related risk mitigation, the QA Manager leads internal quality systems, inspection operations, audit readiness, CAPA activities, calibration systems, supplier quality processes, and customer quality communications in support of ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

The position operates independently from Production and maintains the authority to identify, contain, stop shipment of, or escape nonconforming product or processes when quality or compliance requirements are at risk.

This is a full-time onsite position at the office in Des Plaines, IL; a hybrid or work-from-home arrangement is not offered.

Responsibilities

Owns the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001, AS9100, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Approves compliance with quality-related customer purchase order requirements, specifications, and flow-downs.

Ensures quality resources are available per customer orders and requirements.

Owns Quality Inspection Plan (QIP) creation and ensures effectiveness of the inspection process.

Owns inspection equipment condition, calibration and inventory.

Leads the Material Review Board (MRB) and ensures root causes are identified, long-term corrective actions implemented, and effectiveness validated.

Creates audit calendar, leads audits, ensures rapid responses to findings or observations, owns corrective action follow-up, validation and closure.

Leads supplier qualification, supplier corrective actions (SCARs) and assists with monitoring supplier performance.

Serves as primary customer contact for quality-related concerns, discrepancies, corrective actions, audits and quality performance reviews.

Performs annual customer survey and response data evaluation.

Supervises and develops quality personnel through recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management and disciplinary actions.

Analyzes quality data and trends including RMA activity, supplier performance and KPI/metrics; presents findings and corrective actions at Quarterly Management Meetings.

Minimum Educational Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's degree in quality management, engineering, or a related discipline, or related degree with relevant experience.

5–10 years of work history within defense, electronics, or related electro-mechanical manufacturing industry.

5 years in an AS9100 environment.

3 years as a CQE, Auditor or CMQ/OE of QMS.

Strong interpersonal skills and communication to interact with team, management, customers, and suppliers.

Strong metrology and measurement device knowledge, and training experience.

Strong IPC and J-STD knowledge and training experience.

Ability to obtain Security Clearance; United States citizenship is required by the U.S. Government.

The estimated salary range for this position is $100,000–$150,000.

Benefits

Comprehensive leave plan (Paid Time Off).

Comprehensive health-care package including medical, vision, dental, Health Savings Account (HSA), and more.

401(k) retirement plan.

Paid overtime.

Tuition reimbursement options.

Casual and relaxed work environment.

KTS is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

J-18808-Ljbffr