Quality Excellence Manager

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) in Mauston, WI is seeking a Quality Excellence Manager to develop and lead the Quality Assurance system, ensuring manufacturing processes produce products that meet ISO 9001 and the Quality Assurance Manual. This key change-agent role requires accountability for results with minimal guidance, focusing on strategy development, priority setting, and implementation in assigned areas.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses include jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts, and forged wheels. With $7.4 billion in revenue in 2024, our products enhance fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to customer success and global sustainability.

Howmet Fastening Systems, headquartered in Torrance, California, designs and manufactures aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings, and installation tools. Our products are used in commercial and military aircraft, jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation, wind turbines, solar power systems, and construction and industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Quality Assurance department: supervise and appraise performance, hire, train, and recommend salary adjustments for reporting employees.
• Schedule and track inspection, lab, and testing activities to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.
• Interpret customer, corporate, and division quality standards for plant personnel; develop and maintain site procedures supporting the division Quality Assurance Manual.
• Lead and promote the quality assurance philosophy, including preventive quality systems.
• Implement and maintain procedures for inspection, disposition, and record retention of incoming raw materials and components; review quality issues with suppliers and provide supplier surveillance assistance.
• Proactively engage in corrective action and problem-solving strategies; identify root causes of non-conformance, measure non-conformance costs, and maintain data collection and statistical systems for process control and problem identification.
• Coordinate regular management meetings to review corrective action and quality systems; publish reports and identify trends.
• Interface with Customers, Engineering, and Operations to identify requirements, plan for product realization, and support continuous improvements in manufacturing processes and systems.
• Ensure the gage calibration system is effective and complies with company operating procedures; maintain calibration systems for inspection, gaging, and process instruments, and work with vendors to improve techniques and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and industry regulatory requirements; coordinate and conduct customer and accreditation audits.
• Enhance and implement the internal audit system and associated corrective actions.
• Lead training efforts for employees regarding total preventive quality.
• Develop effective relationships across all levels of staff and functional groups; influence outcomes using advanced communication, change management, and influencing skills.
• Act as a skilled people manager and developer, challenging, motivating, and developing high-performance teams.
• Coach and mentor others to achieve success in fluid, project/team-based environments.
• Work safely to promote individual health and well-being and protect the environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with preventive Quality Systems or equivalent military experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience overseeing Quality Systems.
• Demonstrated record of improving operational metrics.
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and reprioritize as needed.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; verification of employment eligibility required at hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), requiring U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical inspection equipment such as micrometers, optical comparators, hardness testers, and torque testers.
• Ability to influence site culture and drive transformation toward proactive quality assurance practices.
• Experience in leadership, mentoring, and project management.
• Basic knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods.
• ASQ Certifications: CQE, CQM, CRE, CQA, or CSSBB.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification.
• Knowledge of and direct experience with AS, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and NADCAP.

Benefits

• Competitive wages.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Excellent 401k matching program.
• Paid holidays and vacation.

Pay

Annual salary range: $130,000 – $145,000.