Quality Lead

Quality LeadThe Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities at Milton Manufacturing, a precision manufacturer of components for military vehicle programs and automotive customers operating in a low-volume, prototype-driven environment. This role builds and owns Milton's Quality Management System (QMS), drives ISO 9001:2015 certification, establishes shop-floor quality procedures and inspection controls, and ensures products and processes meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements.This role mentors and provides technical directions to production and quality staff on inspection methods and quality procedures.Leads the design, documentation, and implementation of Milton's Quality Management System in alignment with ISO 9001:2015, including the Quality Manual, document control procedures, internal audit program, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) process.Serves as management representative for ISO 9001 certification efforts, including readiness assessments, gap analysis, and coordination with external certification auditors.Establishes and maintains a structured internal audit schedule covering processes, product lines, and supplier quality.Builds a roadmap toward AS9100 readiness to support military vehicle program requirements, and IATF 16949 awareness for automotive customer programs.Ensures compliance with defense industry standards and regulations (e.g., ITAR, AS9100, ISO).Develops, implements, and maintains quality plans, work instructions, inspection checkpoints, and standard operating procedures at each workstation across the shop.Establishes First Article Inspection (FAI) procedures for new and revised parts, appropriate to a prototype/low-volume production environment, including IMDS reports and dimensional scanning.Implements and maintains a nonconforming material process and Material Review Board (MRB) disposition workflow.Owns the gauge and tooling calibration program, ensuring measurement equipment is controlled, traceable, and audit ready.Implements configuration and engineering change control to ensure the correct print revision is built and traceable for every job.Conducts root cause analysis for product and process non-conformances and leads corrective and preventive action using structured methods (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).Monitors key quality metrics and analyzes inspection data to identify trends, risks, and process improvement opportunities, reducing scrap and rework.Mentors' production and quality staff on inspection methods, GD&T interpretation, and quality procedures.Supports production and engineering teams in resolving quality issues and improving processes, including new product introductions and process changes with risk assessments and quality planning.Performs audits, inspections, and quality assessments of products, materials, and suppliers; collaborates with suppliers to resolve quality issues and maintain supplier quality standards.Serves as the quality point of contact for military and automotive customer audits, quality flow-down requirements, and contractual quality obligations.Reviews engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation for quality compliance.Maintains documentation and records required for defense contract compliance, including support for export control (ITAR/EAR) recordkeeping as applicable.Prepares quality metrics and reporting for leadership and customer reviews.Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing processes; strong GD&T and blueprint reading skills, comfortable working from engineering drawings on one-off and short-run parts.Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 requirements and audit processes; experience standing up or maturing a Quality Management System strongly preferred.Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (or equivalent demonstrated competency in root cause analysis and process improvement).Hands-on experience with precision measurement equipment (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges) and calibration programs.Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with experience in quality management systems and regulatory compliance requirements.Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work across teams and with external suppliers and customers.Experience with AS9100 and/or defense/military supplier quality requirements.Familiarity with IATF 16949 or automotive customer quality systems (PPAP, APQP, Core Tools).Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) through ASQ.Experience with configuration management/change control in a prototype or low-volume production setting.Familiarity with ITAR/export control recordkeeping requirements.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or related field; ASQ certification (CQE, CQA) preferred.5+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in defense, aerospace, or automotive industries; experience standing up or maturing a QMS strongly preferred.Ability to stand, walk, and inspect production areas for extended periods.Regular presence on the shop floor in a manufacturing environment, in addition to office-based documentation and audit work.Some roles supporting military vehicle programs may require the ability to obtain or maintain government program access; specific clearance requirements, if any, will be confirmed during the hiring process.