Quality Manager Job Bethel area,Connecticut USA,Quality Assurance

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading all Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions while ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
This role oversees Incoming Quality Control (IQC), In-Process Quality Control (IPQC), Outgoing Quality Control (OQC), auditing activities, corrective actions, quality system management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Quality Manager serves as the primary quality leader for the facility and works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Program Management, Customers, and Suppliers to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong aerospace manufacturing quality experience, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a passion for developing people and systems.

Key Responsibilities Quality Leadership & Quality Management System

Lead and maintain the facility’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Establish, monitor, and achieve facility quality objectives, metrics, and improvement plans.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality assurance procedures, inspection methodologies, and quality standards.
Ensure organizational readiness for customer, regulatory, certification, and internal audits.
Serve as Management Representative for quality-related activities as required.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, compliance, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.

Auditing & Compliance

Plan, conduct, and oversee internal quality audits and supplier audits.
Lead preparation and support activities for customer audits, AS9100 audits, Nadcap audits, and regulatory inspections.
Ensure compliance with quality system requirements and maintain audit readiness throughout the organization.
Monitor and communicate quality system performance to leadership.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality issues, corrective actions, and quality performance reviews.
Lead investigations and resolution of customer complaints, returns, and quality concerns.
Manage supplier quality performance, supplier corrective actions, and supplier development activities.
Support customer qualification, First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, and validation requirements.

Quality Operations

Oversee Incoming, In-Process, and Final Inspection activities.
Manage nonconforming material processes, containment activities, disposition, and corrective actions.
Ensure calibration systems and inspection equipment remain compliant and properly maintained.
Oversee document control processes and quality documentation requirements.
Review and approve quality records, inspection plans, procedures, and quality reports.
Support manufacturing teams with process improvements and quality problem resolution.
Lead, coach, develop, and mentor Quality Inspectors, Technicians, and Quality personnel.
Prioritize departmental workloads and allocate resources to meet business objectives.
Develop and maintain training plans, qualification records, and competency matrices.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, quality ownership, and continuous improvement.

Advanced Quality Activities

Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and preventive action programs.
Support and review First Article Inspections (FAIs), Process Capability Studies (CPK), PPAPs, validation activities, and statistical analyses.
Draft and maintain Quality Program Plans for engineering development and customer-specific projects.
Analyze quality performance data and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 5 years of quality experience within a manufacturing environment.
Minimum of 3 years of quality leadership or management experience.
Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems, quality assurance methodologies, and manufacturing quality processes.
Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, RCCA, CAPA, statistical analysis, and quality performance metrics.
Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, databases, spreadsheets, and quality reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of Nadcap and AS13100 requirements.
Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, CQE, CQA, or related quality certifications.
Experience conducting customer and supplier audits.
Experience leading continuous improvement and operational…