Manager, Quality

Based in Bristol, RI, this position will also oversee Quality in Quincy, MA and Cranston, RI.

Responsibilities

• Employee management and engagement, quality systems, and continuous improvement activities utilizing lean concepts.
• Compliance with relevant standards and requirements.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to maximize efficiencies, achieve objectives, and improve overall safety and product quality.
• Develop a strong relationship with Saab’s Global Naval Business Area team and continually develop and improve global and local processes.
• Manage transfer of technology programs for products moving from Sweden to the US.
• Lead program quality, inspection, and continuous improvement in a geographically dispersed work environment.
• Considerable domestic and international travel is expected.
• Promote a safe work environment and recommend changes/additions to health & safety policies.
• Ensure proper staffing to effectively perform all functions, including the right skill mix for global operations.
• Be an active member of the AUS management team that develops and executes operational plans.
• Keep management and others informed of significant issues or developments.
• Support other departments/functions to ensure operational efficiencies.
• Develop the quality team via internal and external educational and experiential opportunities.
• Provide costing data to support proposal efforts.
• Resolve external quality issues, including direct customer contact and interaction with the program management team.
• Manage relevant aspects of the Quality Management System, including internal and external audits, business updates, and Management Reviews.
• Work with peers to establish quality improvement strategies and plans.
• Ensure internal audits of existing processes are performed and evaluated to meet/exceed customer expectations.
• Develop methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation of products.
• Perform formal root cause analysis on product/process-related issues.
• Utilize risk assessment tools (e.g., PFMEAs) to identify actions to reduce risks.
• Lead key improvement projects, providing leadership in developing practical solutions to complex problems.
• Improve processes using Kaizen, process mapping, 6s, or other lean tools.
• Identify trends and process variations for future improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance across all areas of responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline is required. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Aerospace or Defense.
• 5+ years in a Quality management role in Aerospace or Defense.
• Lean training and experience/certification is a plus.
• Proven track record of implementing improvements.
• Experience with customer (USG) interaction and problem resolution.
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in deploying and certifying an ISO9001 Quality System in an Aerospace or Defense company. AS9100 and CMMI experience is a plus.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers, colleagues, and clients.
• Ability to form partnerships with foreign national partners to maximize results.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve strategic goals.
• Experience with the development and production of autonomous underwater vehicles is desired.
• Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays.
• 401(k) with employer contributions.
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance.
• Wellness and employee assistance resources.
• Employee stock purchase opportunities.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Pay

The compensation range provided is a general guideline: $145,100 - $188,700. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.