Quality Manager

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: Title: Quality Manager

Reports To: VP/GM

Federal Equipment Company, a division of Fairbanks Morse Defense, has been a leading supplier of marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. Over the years, the company has grown into an internationally recognized organization with unparalleled expertise in marine design/engineering and the manufacturing of critical shipboard systems. As part of our rapid growth, we are seeking a Quality Manager to lead and oversee our Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with the highest standards of quality and operational excellence.

**Essential Job Functions:**

• Oversee and manage the **Quality Management System (QMS)**, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, MIL-I-45208, AS9100 or CMMC 2.0 standards.
• Analyze quality performance for production and collaborate with production, quality management, and operations teams to develop improvement plans for identified problem areas.
• Provide training and mentorship to production teams on in-process inspection plans and methods, reinforcing quality best practices.
• Write and implement inspection procedures, ensuring that all equipment meets contractual and specification accuracy requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, program management, and engineering, as well as external customers, to ensure quality standards are met and maintained effectively.
• Interface with customers and suppliers regarding quality-related matters.
• Lead customer and supplier audits and root cause corrective action activities.
• Conduct contract reviews to ensure all customer and internal requirements are met and reflected in quality practices.
• Prepare and approve Certificates of Conformance (C.O.C.s) for outgoing shipments, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Contribute to strategic planning by analyzing quality performance and implementing production, productivity, and customer service improvements.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure quality objectives, such as defect rates, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Utilize data analytic tools for quality monitoring and improvement.
• Lead and support **continuous improvement initiatives**, driving innovation and process enhancements to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
• Perform audits of product, company systems, and compliance processes while investigating customer complaints and implementing corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed quality documentation, reports, and analyses to address trends, recalls, corrective actions, and re-validations.
• Stay current with trends and developments in quality management through educational opportunities and professional organizations.
• Support audits (internal, corporate, and external) related to quality, health & safety, and environmental compliance.
• Take ownership for protecting confidential business information and adhering to FEC/FMD policies regarding information security and code of conduct.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of the organization.

**Requirements:**

• Strong work ethic with the ability to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with the U.S. Navy shipbuilding industry is a plus.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to assist in areas beyond primary responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

**Qualifications, Skills, and Educational Requirements:**

• Bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related field from an accredited institution.
• Working knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 9001, MIL-I-45208, or AS9100.
• Demonstrated experience in Quality Assurance auditing; lead auditor qualification preferred.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Quality Assurance/Control, preferably in defense or aerospace industries.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including coaching, developing, and mentoring team members.
• Strong IT proficiency, including MS Office/Office 365, MS Project, and other business tools.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles preferred.
• Knowledge of Export/Import/ITAR/ECCN/EAR regulations preferred.
• Familiarity with government contracts and NOFORN requirements.
• Highly motivated, with a self-starter mindset and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively contribute both as an individual and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish trust, confidence, and credibility with coworkers and team members.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled