Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Manager

Job Description Summary

Ensure that all Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and mass timber products consistently meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and applicable standards (e.g., PRG-320, ASTM, ANSI, local building codes).

Develop, implement, and maintain a robust QA/QC system that supports product certification, traceability, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain product specifications, work instructions, and inspection plans for CLT panels, glulam, and related mass timber products.
• Oversee incoming inspection of lumber, adhesives, fasteners, and other critical raw materials; manage vendor quality requirements and nonconforming material.
• Establish and monitor in-process and final inspection criteria for pressing, curing, machining, finishing, and packaging operations.
• Manage product testing plans (e.g., mechanical testing, bond-line performance, dimensional tolerances, moisture content, surface quality).
• Ensure compliance with applicable product standards, building codes, and certification body requirements (e.g., third-party certification agencies, audit programs).
• Maintain and update quality manuals, procedures, and records required for certifications and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate and support third-party audits, certification audits, customer audits, and internal audits; develop and track corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a facility-wide Quality Management System (QMS), preferably aligned with ISO 9001 or similar standards.
• Own document control: versioning of procedures, work instructions, inspection forms, and test reports.
• Implement and oversee traceability systems for CLT production (batch records, press records, adhesive lot tracking, lumber grading, and panel IDs).
• Manage nonconformance, deviation, and concession processes, including root cause analysis and disposition (rework, repair, scrap, or acceptance).
• Define critical process parameters (e.g., moisture content ranges, press pressure/time/temperature, adhesive spread rates) and implement control plans and monitoring.
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities; drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts using tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and FMEA, focusing on yield improvement and defect reduction.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to qualify new materials, equipment, and process changes through structured trials and validation plans.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of on-site quality lab and test equipment (press logs, moisture meters, load/deflection test rigs, bond-line test setups, gauges).
• Develop test schedules, sampling plans, and protocols; ensure calibration and verification of measurement equipment.
• Train technicians and operators in proper sample preparation, testing, and data recording procedures.
• Review and approve product quality documentation for customer submittals (e.g., mill certificates, test reports, compliance statements).
• Support Sales, Engineering, and Project Management teams with technical quality information, project-specific requirements, and customer RFIs.
• Lead investigation and resolution of customer complaints and field issues, including site visits as needed and implementation of preventive actions.
• Lead and develop QA/QC staff (inspectors, technicians, document control) to ensure consistent application of standards.
• Provide training and coaching to production and maintenance teams on quality standards, inspection techniques, defect recognition, and documentation.
• Promote a quality-first culture, emphasizing defect prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (civil, structural, mechanical, wood science), Quality Management, or related technical field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5 years of quality assurance/quality control experience in manufacturing; experience in wood products, mass timber, CLT, glulam, or building materials strongly preferred.
• Experience working with product standards, certification programs, and regulatory bodies relevant to structural wood products.
• Strong understanding of timber properties, lumber grading, adhesive and bonding behavior, moisture management, and structural performance of CLT/mass timber products.
• Familiarity with building codes and standards applicable to mass timber structures.
• Experience with QMS frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001) and audit processes.
• Proficient in statistical quality tools (SPC, capability analysis, sampling plans), root cause analysis, and problem-solving methods.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills; attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in office and quality software (e.g., spreadsheets, databases, QMS/LIMS systems, CAD/model review helpful).
• Hands-on, shop-floor presence with a collaborative mindset.
• Data-driven, methodical, and decisive under time pressure.
• Comfortable operating in a growing facility where systems and processes are evolving.