Quality Assurance Manager, Vehicles & Safety

Job Description: Quality Manager, Vehicles & Safety

Location: Carson, CA

Department: Quality

Reports To: Head of Quality

Direct Reports: (as assigned): Quality Engineer, Quality Inspectors/Technicians

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Us

Woojin IS America, Inc. (WISA), headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, CA, is a fast-growing manufacturer specializing in electric equipment for rolling stock and light rail vehicles. We proudly serve North American customers with advanced technologies that deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting transportation equipment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vehicle Safety & Compliance Leadership

• Lead all quality-related activities tied to vehicle/system safety requirements across projects
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations (e.g., rail, transit, or vehicle-specific standards such as FRA, AAR, ISO, EN, or customer requirements)
• Serve as the primary quality interface for safety audits, assessments, and customer/regulatory inspections
• Maintain oversight of safety-critical documentation and approvals

2. Safety Validation & Verification

• Oversee validation and verification of safety-critical systems and components
• Ensure proper execution of:
• First Article Inspections (FAI) for safety-related components
• Functional and safety testing protocols
• Inspection and test plans (ITPs) for safety-critical features
• Participate in and approve design reviews with a focus on safety risks and compliance

3. Risk Management & Hazard Analysis

• Lead or support structured safety analyses such as:
• Hazard Analysis
• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) (if applicable)
• Maintain and manage risk registers specific to vehicle safety
• Ensure mitigation actions are implemented, tracked, and verified

4. Non-Conformance & Corrective Actions (Safety-Critical)

• Own and drive resolution of safety-related NCRs
• Lead root cause analysis for safety defects using structured problem-solving tools
• Ensure robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and effective
• Escalate critical safety issues to Head of Quality and senior leadership immediately

5. Cross-Functional Integration

• Work closely with:
• Engineering (design safety integration)
• Production (safe build practices)
• Test & Commissioning (validation of safety systems)
• Procurement (qualification of safety-critical suppliers)
• Ensure “built-in quality” approach for all safety-related processes

6. Supplier Quality – Safety Focus

• Partner with Procurement to:
• Qualify and monitor suppliers of safety-critical components
• Ensure supplier compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
• Participate in supplier audits and first article inspections

7. Documentation & Traceability

• Ensure complete and accurate documentation for:
• Safety certifications
• Test results and validation reports
• Car History Books (safety sections)
• Maintain full traceability of safety-critical components and processes

8. Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor assigned Quality Engineers and/or Inspectors supporting safety scope
• Provide training on:
• Safety standards
• Hazard awareness
• Safety-related quality procedures
• Promote a safety-first culture across all operations

9. KPIs & Reporting

• Track and report on safety-related quality KPIs, including:
• Safety defects and incidents
• NCRs related to safety
• Audit findings and closure rates
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Quality and project teams

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or similar)
• 5–10 years of experience in quality engineering/management within rail, automotive, or heavy manufacturing
• Experience with safety-critical systems and regulatory compliance

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001)
• Safety and regulatory standards (FRA, AAR, ISO, EN, or equivalent)
• FMEA, root cause analysis, and risk assessment tools
• Experience with inspection, testing, and validation processes

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• High attention to detail and strong analytical thinking
• Ability to escalate and manage critical safety issues effectively

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Zero major safety non-conformances at delivery
• Timely closure of safety-related NCRs and CAPAs
• Successful completion of safety audits and certifications
• Reduction in safety-related defects and rework
• On-time completion of safety validation milestones