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Jobs · Analyst · Massachusetts

Manager, Quality Control Lab

VulcanForms Inc. · Ayer, MA · Yesterday
On-siteAnalyst$122k–$168k/yrFull-time

About the role

VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products through its vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining. The Manager of the Quality Control Lab plays a crucial role in ensuring that VulcanForms' products meet the highest standards of excellence in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the daily operations and long-term scheduling for the QC Inspection team.

  • Accountable for departmental results, including throughput, staffing levels, and operational costs.

  • Act as the primary technical advisor for the lab, resolving difficult to moderately complex problems regarding measurement strategy, equipment downtime, or inspection bottlenecks.

  • Establish and enforce foundational engineering standards, lab safety protocols, and global validation methods (IQ/OQ/PQ) for all metrology equipment.

  • Provide Program Managers and executive stakeholders with accurate turnaround times (TAT).

  • Proactively manage the lab’s capacity to prevent production delays.

  • Architect and maintain a suite of KPIs (e.g., Backlog Aging, Cycle Time, First-Pass Yield) to drive measurable improvements in lab efficiency.

  • Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and professional growth of the QC team. Build structured, multi-shift training programs to ensure technical competence remains high as the team scales.

  • Ensure the lab is always "audit-ready" for regulatory bodies (ISO 9001, AS9100) and customer-specific quality requirements.

  • Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Digital teams to ensure inspection data integrates seamlessly with our digital thread (MES/ERP).

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in Quality Control, Metrology, or Inspection within a high-precision manufacturing environment.

  • 3+ years of formal management experience (M2 or Lead level), with proven success managing a multi-shift technical team.

  • Mastery of GD&T and advanced metrology equipment (CMM, GOM/Blue Light, NDT).

  • Proven experience with Budgeting & Staffing: Ability to manage departmental costs and forecast resource needs based on production volume.

  • Deep understanding of ISO 9001 or AS9100 requirements within a laboratory setting.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex quality data into actionable narratives for senior management.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience running or scaling a QC lab in a fast-paced, high-growth "startup-to-production" environment.

  • Certification in Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies with experience implementing 5S or Kaizen events in a lab setting.

  • Experience with metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) inspection requirements and the unique challenges of powder-bed fusion quality control.

  • Familiarity with automating inspection data workflows and integrating lab results into centralized digital threads.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $122,400 to $168,300. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

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