We’re seeking a results-driven Quality Engineering Manager to lead quality strategy and execution across complex manufacturing programs in Huntsville, AL. This role owns the quality system, drives production rigor, ensures compliance for special processes, and leads root cause corrective action (RCCA) to prevent recurrence of defects.
You’ll partner with cross-functional leadership (Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain) to improve first pass yield, reduce escapes and cost of poor quality, and meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
Build and lead a high-performing Quality Engineering team (hiring, coaching, development).
Define and execute a quality roadmap aligned to program milestones and business objectives.
Establish “built-in quality” practices across design transfer, production, and supplier networks.
Quality System & Compliance
Own Quality Management System (QMS) deployment in manufacturing; maintain procedures, training, and internal audits.
Support compliance with applicable industry quality standards.
Oversee special processes (e.g., heat treat, welding, NDT, coatings) and external accreditation readiness where applicable.
Lead RCCA/CAPA using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone); verify effectiveness.
Manage nonconformance processes and material review; drive cycle time reduction and rework minimization.
Manufacturing Quality Excellence
Deploy statistical process control and capability studies to improve yield and reduce scrap/rework.
Verify process conformance through audits, floor presence, and standardized work.
Ensure robust measurement systems, calibration control, and product traceability.
Supplier Quality & Flowdown
Qualify, audit, and develop suppliers; ensure requirements are properly flowed down.
Manage supplier qualification activities (e.g., first article inspections, process approvals).
Drive supplier quality performance improvements and delivery reliability.
Customer & Program Interface
Serve as primary quality contact for customer and regulatory interactions.
Support contract reviews, risk management, and configuration/change control.
Integrate field quality feedback into preventive actions and continuous improvement.
Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement
Develop dashboards for key quality metrics (yield, defects, escape rate, cost of quality, audit findings).
Use data-driven methods to identify trends and prioritize improvements.
Champion digitization across quality and manufacturing systems (e.g., electronic workflows, inspection records).
Compliance & Data Protection
Ensure quality practices align with export control and data security requirements.
Coordinate with compliance teams on controlled information handling where applicable.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
7+ years in Quality Engineering within regulated manufacturing; 2+ years in leadership roles.
Strong experience with quality systems, audits, RCCA, risk analysis (FMEA), control plans, SPC, and GD&T.
Experience working with special processes and external accreditation standards.
Demonstrated leadership on the manufacturing floor and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Ability to meet applicable regulatory or security requirements as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional certifications (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma).
Auditor certification (internal or lead).
Experience with supplier quality and external partner management.
Familiarity with industry regulatory frameworks and contract requirements.
Experience with digital quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM, ERP).
