Quality Manager, metal manufacturing

About the Role

A confidential, established precision manufacturer is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the Quality function for a highly engineered, tight-tolerance operation. This hands-on leadership role requires extensive experience in large gearbox manufacturing, heavy CNC machining, gearing, ISO quality systems, and heavy metal manufacturing. The Quality Manager will oversee all Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities while partnering with Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure exceptional product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Department, including inspectors and technicians.
• Manage ISO 9001 Quality Management System and lead external certification audits.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality programs and inspection processes.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, engineering drawings, AGMA standards, and internal specifications.
• Lead CAPA, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee calibration systems and inspection equipment.
• Partner with Engineering and Production on process improvements and new product launches.
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, rework, PPM, first-pass yield, and customer quality performance.
• Serve as the primary quality contact for customers, suppliers, and auditors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of Quality Management experience in heavy manufacturing.
• Large gearbox manufacturing experience is required.
• Experience with heavy CNC machining and precision metal manufacturing.
• Strong ISO 9001 experience, including maintaining certification and leading external audits.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Technical Experience

• Precision gear manufacturing
• Spur, helical, bevel, and worm gears
• CMM programming and inspection
• Gear analyzers, lead/profile measurement, runout testing
• Heat treat, gear grinding, hobbing, shaping, and finishing
• Tight-tolerance machining

Preferred Industry Background

• Large gearbox manufacturing
• Precision gear manufacturing
• Heavy metal manufacturing
• Heavy industrial equipment
• Industrial power transmission
• Mining equipment
• OEM machinery
• Heavy equipment manufacturing

Compensation & Benefits

• $95,000–$125,000 salary
• Stable, growing precision manufacturer
• Executive-level leadership opportunity
• Strong benefits and long-term career growth