Quality Manager

Performs a wide variety of quality management and engineering functions with minimal supervision, reporting directly to executive leadership. This role requires a high degree of independence, initiative, creativity, and sound judgment, including the ability to present alternative viewpoints when necessary. Responsible for maintaining and improving organizational quality systems, supporting regulatory compliance efforts, measuring quality performance, and implementing strategic quality improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a high level of internal and external customer service and resolve customer quality concerns and complaints.
• Support and participate in inspection and testing activities to ensure productivity and technical accuracy.
• Conduct visual inspections and audits of raw materials and finished goods to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Perform incoming inspections of production materials according to documented procedures.
• Document nonconforming materials/products and implement corrective actions as required.
• Track, analyze, and report internal and external quality metrics.
• Define, plan, and execute continuous improvement and quality enhancement projects.
• Conduct and manage internal and external audits to maintain regulatory and quality compliance.
• Develop and manage supplier qualification programs and monitor supplier quality performance.
• Interface directly with customers to investigate and resolve field quality issues.
• Manage compliance activities related to applicable regulatory requirements including RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals, and ITAR.
• Prepare and manage product and process documentation such as FAIRs and PPAPs.
• Manage RMAs and utilize ERP systems to maintain transactional accuracy.
• Respond to customer corrective action requests using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Maintain and improve the quality management system in compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Support engineering and sales teams with specification review and interpretation.

Leadership Responsibilities

Responsible for full supervisory duties including:

• Hiring and onboarding
• Training and development
• Performance management
• Employee counseling
• Disciplinary actions and termination

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer systems.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong statistical analysis and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organizational and technical levels.
• Knowledge of industrial manufacturing methods and quality practices.
• Thorough understanding of ISO 9001 requirements and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with GD&T and manufacturing quality documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of quality engineering experience.
• Minimum 5 years of management or supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform light physical work, including occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for inspection, data entry, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to stand, walk, inspect products, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Close visual acuity and color vision required for inspection activities.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing/production environment.
• Required PPE includes safety glasses and steel-toed footwear while on the production floor. Additional PPE may be required depending on work area and duties.

QUALITY MANAGER - for a company who designs, manufactures, and distributes precision optical coating solutions and custom fabricated glass optical products.

Must Have

4-year technical degree or equivalent. In rare cases, informal technical education and very strong experience might be substituted for the degree requirement

5 years' quality engineering experience

5 years' management experience

Skills: ERP System Experience, Microsoft Office, Full understanding of ISO 9001 standards requirements and compliance, Strong Statistical Background, Knowledge of industrial manufacturing methods and general practices