Quality Assurance Manager

Position Overview:

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol's global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world's largest interconnect solution providers

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards. This role oversees all quality-related functions, including internal audits, corrective actions, supplier quality, data driven performance metrics, and customer complaint resolution. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership, analytical skills, and a hands-on approach to ensuring product conformity, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct internal audits and support external/customer audits, ensuring timely closure of findings.
• Develop, track, and report KPI metrics for quality performance, including First Pass Yield (FPY), RMA rate, customer complaints, NCRs, CAPAs, and supplier performance.
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and lead 8D or 5-Why investigations for non-conformances, customer issues, and internal process deviations.
• Oversee the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system to ensure timely implementation and verification of effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams to improve manufacturing processes, reduce defects, and enhance quality consistency.
• Manage incoming inspection, in-process, and final inspection operations ensuring adherence to documented procedures and inspection standards.
• Maintain and update quality documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, inspection plans, and audit records.
• Lead supplier quality management initiatives, including supplier qualification, performance reviews, and audits.
• Support training programs to promote quality awareness, continuous improvement, and compliance across all levels of the organization.
• Conduct management review meetings, presenting data trends, risks, and improvement actions.
• Ensure effective use of statistical tools (SPC, Pareto, trend analysis) to identify process variations and improvement opportunities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Management or Quality Engineering within an ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 certified environment.
• Proven experience in audit planning, execution, and reporting (Lead Auditor certification preferred).
• Proficient in 8D, 5-Why, FMEA, PPAP, and SPC methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to develop and interpret data-driven KPI dashboards.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, calibration, and documentation control.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team facilitation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and quality software tools (e.g., Minitab, Power BI, or Excel-based dashboards).

Skills and Competencies:

• Root Cause & Corrective Action (8D) Expertise
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement (Lean / Six Sigma)
• Audit Leadership and Compliance Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Process and Product Quality Excellence

Desired Preferred types of Certifications:

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

AS9100 Lead Auditor

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

IPC-A-610 Certification (Electronics)

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification (Cable & Wire Harness)

Master IPC Trainer (MIT)

IATF 16949 Certification (Automotive)

ISO 13485 Certification (Medical Devices

Other Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain and maintain security clearance.
• 5 years of experience in managing Quality Management System.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM) preferred.
• Experience in Aerospace, Defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with customer-specific quality requirements (e.g., ITAR, NADCAP, or FAA).

Travel Required: 5-10% Travel

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. of test equipment with assistance.
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interaction with supervisors.
• Comfortable working on your feet in a production environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and efficiency.
• The work Schedule is a Standard 9/80 @ 7am-4:30pm. With every other Friday off.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers in manufacturing and production. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Q Microwave is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today!