Quality Assurance Manager

Overview

Goex Industries LLC (Goex), a subsidiary of Estes Energetics, is the last remaining commercial-scale black powder manufacturer in the United States. We serve competitive and recreational shooters, re-enactors, muzzle loading hunters, fireworks manufacturers, and the U.S. Military. We are an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors, supporting the Department of Defense, domestic production, history preservation, hunting and shooting sports, and rocket education for youth.

Join our team and help carry forward a legacy of American innovation and impact.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Quality Manager to lead and oversee our Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 standards. This role ensures high levels of product quality and safety in the design, development, and manufacturing of black powder. The Quality Manager will develop, implement, and maintain quality systems, manage audits, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a high-reliability, high-compliance environment.

• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement in quality and safety.
• Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports to build organizational capability.
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of an ISO 9001 compliant Quality Management System.
• Serve as primary liaison for customer, regulatory, and third-party quality audits, understanding customer needs and oversight requirements.
• Lead supplier quality management programs and ensure external partners meet applicable specifications and standards.
• Oversee quality operations for black powder manufacturing, monitoring and evaluating internal production processes, and ensuring products meet governing specifications and Goex standards.
• Determine analytical tests needed, perform and oversee tests, assess effectiveness of changes, and ensure quality assurance, data tracking, and COA generation for customers.
• Establish and maintain documentation of data, analytical test procedures, and equipment calibration certificates.
• Ensure current specifications, QA requirements, and analytical procedures are used.
• Hire for and train personnel in quality procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Manage internal audits, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve issues and drive performance improvements.
• Establish and maintain statistical quality control (SQC) systems to ensure laboratory data integrity, including round-robin testing, proficiency checks, and control charting.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key quality performance metrics (e.g., yield, defect rates, nonconformances, customer and supplier scores).
• Create Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other work instructions.
• Develop and manage the MRB (Material Review Board) and nonconformance resolution processes.
• Ensure compliance with data integrity standards for quality records.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Logistics, Engineering, Safety, and Compliance to embed quality into all phases of the product lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, ATF, LSP, DOT, and OSHA regulations, particularly regarding the manufacture, storage, handling, and transport of explosive materials.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive quality leadership experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience developing and managing ISO 9001 programs.
• Strong knowledge of energetic materials production processes.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Minitab) and applying statistical tools for process analysis and data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in auditing, root cause analysis, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiar with regulatory and safety standards applicable to explosive and hazardous chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively across all levels, including executives, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain explosives handling clearance (if not already held).
• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, or related technical field.
• ISO 9100 QMS leadership experience and ISO 9100 QMS lead auditor certification.
• Experience with MIL-STD, DoD, NASA, and DOT quality requirements.
• Experience interpreting DoD product requirements and writing DoD proposals.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for executives, regulators, and operators.

The work will be primarily in office, manufacturing, and explosives storage environments. Some time may be spent handling chemicals and explosives.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable with various postures and movements common in manufacturing settings (sitting, standing, climbing, bending).
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and energetic materials.
• Frequent movement through a…