Quality Assurance Manager

Overview

Quality Assurance (QA) Manager – Plastic Blow Molding

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, and enforcing quality systems to ensure all products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements. This role oversees quality programs, inspection processes, compliance documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives within a plastic blow molding manufacturing environment. The QA Manager leads the quality team, drives defect reduction, and enhances process capability across production operations.

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, and enforcing quality systems to ensure all products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.

• Quality System Management
• Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Assurance programs aligned with ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 standards.
• Ensure internal quality systems, documentation, and processes meet certification and audit requirements.
• Process Control
• Establish inspection plans, SPC (Statistical Process Control), control plans, and process monitoring for blow molding operations (extrusion, PET).
• Ensure controls for wall thickness, weight, dimensions, and other key characteristics.
• Product Quality
• Validate final product quality using measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and ultrasonic gauges.
• Evaluate production data to identify trends and drive preventive actions.
• Apply Lean tools, Kaizen, and structured problem-solving methods (5 Whys, 8D, Fishbone Analysis) to reduce defects and improve process capability.
• Lead quality improvement projects focused on scrap reduction, yield improvement, and cycle-time optimization.
• Documentation & Compliance
• Manage APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Maintain accurate quality records, test reports, control plans, FMEAs, and work instructions.
• Train, supervise, and support quality inspectors and production staff on quality processes and standards.
• Develop a strong quality culture through coaching, accountability, and process ownership.
• Customer Interaction
• Manage customer concerns, lead root cause investigations, and issue corrective actions (CAPA).
• Maintain strong communication with customers regarding quality performance and improvement activities.

• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience in plastics manufacturing; blow molding experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

• Strong technical understanding of plastic materials, blow molding operations, and quality tools.
• Hands-on experience with QC methodologies such as 7QC Tools, GD&T, SPC, and metrology equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
• ASQ certifications (CQE, CMQ/OE) preferred.

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product integrity.