Quality Manager

Job Title: Quality Manager Job Description The Quality Manager leads a 16-person Quality Department, including Quality Engineers and Technicians/Inspectors responsible for incoming, inline, and final inspection. This role drives a company-wide culture of quality, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction within a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on aerospace and other highly regulated industries. The Quality Manager serves as a key leadership partner to Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other functions, ensuring robust quality systems, regulatory compliance, and proactive problem solving across all levels of the organization. Responsibilities Lead the day-to-day activities of the Quality Department, providing clear direction to Quality Engineers and Technicians/Inspectors and promoting a culture of quality, teamwork, and accountability. Establish and maintain quality goals, objectives, and metrics that support overall company operations and business objectives. Drive defect prevention initiatives and lead continuous improvement efforts, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma projects. Plan and lead internal audits and support external audits, ensuring processes are evaluated, trends are analyzed, and corrective actions are implemented effectively. Maintain compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, JAA, ISO9001, and applicable customer and regulatory requirements. Manage customer and regulatory relationships, including quality-related audits, approvals, and ongoing communication to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Coach, mentor, and support Quality personnel, building a strong, high-performing team of 15+ individuals in a manufacturing quality environment. Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other departments to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance overall operational performance. Oversee supplier quality performance to ensure suppliers meet quality standards and on-time delivery expectations, and drive corrective actions when necessary. Evaluate new quality requirements, standards, and regulations, and lead the implementation of necessary changes to processes and systems. Promote timely, effective, and data-driven quality decisions throughout the organization, using quality metrics and analytical tools. Lead root cause and corrective action activities using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams to resolve complex quality issues. Ensure proper execution of quality engineering activities, including PPAP and APQP processes for machined metal components and other manufactured products. Support and participate in Product Review Board (PRB) activities, Certified Operator Programs, and other structured quality programs. Spend meaningful time on the production floor to observe processes, engage with teams, identify issues proactively, and facilitate practical solutions. Balance quality requirements with production schedules and business objectives, making informed decisions that support both compliance and operational efficiency. Support internal quality program execution and lead process improvement initiatives across departments. Prepare for and participate in customer audits and audits by AS9100 and other regulatory bodies, ensuring readiness and strong performance. Foster a customer-focused, results-oriented mindset within the Quality Department and across the organization. Essential Skills 10+ total years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Extensive experience with root cause and corrective action methodologies, including 5 Whys and fishbone analysis. Demonstrated experience interacting directly with customers and suppliers on quality-related matters. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and schematics. Aerospace or other highly regulated industry experience. Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Mechanical Engineering, Quality, or a related field; equivalent experience considered. 5+ years of progressive Quality experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities. 5+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace or a similarly regulated environment. Working knowledge of auditing practices and standards, including internal and external audits. Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC) and quality metrics. Practical experience with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Familiarity with Self-Directed Work Teams (SDWT) and Certified Operator Programs. Experience with Product Review Board (PRB) processes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, suitable for all levels of the organization. Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, develop, and influence teams. High integrity and the ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across departments. Customer-focused, self-motivated, decisive, and results-oriented mindset. Ability to balance quality, production, schedule, and business objectives in a fast-paced environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience leading a Quality Department of 15+ team members in an aerospace machined metal component contract manufacturing environment. Hands-on experience with AS9100 and ISO9001 quality systems and certifications. Knowledge of NADCAP, FAA, and JAA requirements and their application in manufacturing operations. Experience with PPAP and APQP processes in a production environment. Comfort with trend analysis and data-driven decision making using quality metrics and SPC. Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives across cross-functional teams. Experience managing supplier quality, including performance monitoring and corrective actions. Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to implement process improvements. Track record of successfully preparing for and managing customer and regulatory audits. Capability to work in a growth-oriented environment with expanding customer programs and new business opportunities. Work Environment This role operates within a dynamic manufacturing facility focused on aerospace and other highly regulated products, including machined metal components. The Quality Manager reports to senior site leadership and works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other functional groups to execute the internal quality program and drive process improvements. The environment involves regular interaction with customer auditors and regulatory bodies such as AS9100 and other standards organizations, as well as participation in internal and external audits. The company is experiencing significant growth, with strong financial backing and multi-year expansion plans that create meaningful opportunities for advancement. The work setting is fast-paced and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on being present on the production floor, engaging with teams, and facilitating practical improvements. The organization offers performance-based bonuses tied to attendance and goal attainment, as well as a 401(k) plan with employer match and a vesting period, reflecting a commitment to long-term employee development and financial well-being. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of PHOENIX, AZ. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $62.50/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 Type This is a fully onsite position in PHOENIX,AZ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr Actalent