Quality Operations Manager

Quality Operations Manager

The Quality Operations Manager owns the day-to-day execution of the Quality operating system across launch and sustaining production. This role converts program quality strategy into an executable operating cadence by managing quality deliverable schedules, metrics, and reporting that keep leadership and cross-functional partners aligned on product quality performance.

The Quality Operations Manager leads a team of quality engineers, technicians, and inspectors and serves as the operational point of contact for Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, Program Management, and Field Quality.

Beyond launch execution, this role is accountable for sustaining quality performance once products are in production, including containment and corrective action management, process capability improvement, control plan discipline, audit readiness, and compliance. Success is measured through on-time quality deliverables, timely issue resolution, and achievement of warranty and field performance targets.

What You'll Own:

• Own and run the Quality operating cadence across launch and sustaining production at Coolidge, including deliverable schedules, review forums, and escalation paths.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of quality engineers and specialists, including staffing, workload balancing, and capability development.
• Support and help identify containment, root cause, and corrective actions (RCCA).
• Own implementation tracking and confirmation/verification of interim and permanent corrective actions through closure.
• Manage quality metrics, reporting, and escalation processes; publish performance against DPU, first-time-through, audit, warranty, and field quality targets.
• Own reporting and documentation of operational quality issues, including tracking, initial assessments, escalation, and disposition.
• Ensure quality deliverables are executed on schedule, including Quality Control Plans, inspection standards, gauge readiness, and measurement systems.
• Drive Clear-to-Build readiness and change management execution in partnership with Manufacturing, NPI, Supplier Quality, and Incoming Quality teams.
• Lead process capability and continuous improvement activities and deploy new processes and standards that improve product quality performance.
• Maintain audit, compliance, and QMS readiness, including documentation control, non-conformance management, corrective actions, and audit support.
• Facilitate cross-functional reviews and resolution of open plant quality issues.
• Partner with Program Management and Technical Quality Engineering to maintain alignment to the Single Quality Agenda and product quality priorities.
• Manage budget planning, resource allocation, and tooling/equipment requirements for the Quality Operations organization.
• Monitor daily operations and process performance to identify quality concerns before they impact customers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and AS9100 where applicable.
• Utilize data analytics, dashboards, and key performance indicators to drive operational quality decisions.

What You Bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of manufacturing, quality operations, or product development experience.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership, or demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PFMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, and SPC.
• Experience with CTQ definition and management at the part, system, and vehicle level.
• Hands-on experience driving RCCA activities during production builds and validating interim and permanent corrective actions.
• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving methodologies, including problem statement definition, FMEA, verification, and validation.
• Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Statistical Process Control (SPC), with the ability to implement and sustain a quality operating system.
• Familiarity with QMS and audit requirements, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, and non-conformance management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive decisions through data and metrics.
• Ability to resolve complex problems independently in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrixed organization and collaborate across functions and leadership levels.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and teamwork while maintaining positive cross-functional relationships.
• Ability to build and manage dashboards and reporting tools and convert metrics into prioritized actions.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position, including understanding work instructions, safety procedures, and job-related communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the automotive industry.

Work Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site at Lucid's manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona.
• Ability to spend time in both office and production environments.
• Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.

Salary Range:

The compensation range for this position will be determined based on location, level, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits:

Lucid offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Equity and incentive opportunities, where applicable