Quality Engineering Manager in Manchester

The Quality Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing quality assurance activities for precision machined parts, welded fabrications, and complex assemblies, particularly within strict defense industry standards like AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and DFARS. This role drives continuous improvement, ensures product quality and compliance, reduces risk, and promotes a strong culture of quality. It involves supporting an effective quality management system (QMS) to drive consistent production, reduce waste, and meet established standards. Additionally, the Quality Engineering Manager builds and leads teams focused on manufacturing, customer satisfaction, defect reduction, and improving overall organizational and financial performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and applicable defense/customer-specific requirements.
• Ensure adherence to ITAR, DFARS, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Support the development of procedures, instructions, and forms for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality related information in the Quality Management System (e.g., SOPs, work instructions).
• Support control processes for high-precision machined parts, weldments, and assemblies.
• Ensure compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Manage First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 requirements.
• Develop and manage the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure supplier quality standards are met.
• Drive supplier corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage MRB (Material Review Board) processes and disposition of non-conforming material.
• Track and ensure timely and accurate reporting of quality performance metrics (CoPQ, defects, escapes) and implement improvement plans.
• Lead, mentor, and develop quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians.
• Establish performance goals, training programs, and career development plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance.
• Support customer audits, source inspections, and corrective action requests.
• Lead initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce defects, and improve product quality.
• Integrate APQP/AS9145 and risk-based thinking into the broader Quality Management System processes.
• Formulate and maintain quality control objectives and coordinate objectives with production procedures in cooperation with other plant managers to maximize product reliability and minimize costs.
• Serve as the primary quality resource for problem identification, resolution, loss reporting and continuous improvement.
• Lead root-cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and other problem-solving activities to identify effective corrective and preventative actions and process improvements.
• Interact with customers to identify opportunities to improve quality and establish feedback with manufacturing and engineering personnel.
• Support quality and reliability standards by studying product and consumer requirements with other members of management and with production operators, technicians, and engineers.
• Oversee and support standards for the disposition of finished product by devising evaluation tests, methods, and procedures.
• Maintain product quality by enforcing quality assurance policies and procedures and government requirements.
• Work to reduce and eliminate barriers and obstacles to improve overall cost and scheduling performance.
• Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for creating a professional, safe, and clean environment.
• Demonstrate commitment to teamwork by establishing effective relationships and networks with managers/directors and workers.
• Abide by GSM Code of Ethics and Business Conduct standards and strictly observe all U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality or related field and five (5) to seven (7) years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years in a people leadership role.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and Windows based computer programs; ERP/MRP based company-wide sales order administrative systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to measure performance to goals and standards.
• An ability to balance and achieve positive results in the areas of safety, quality, productivity, cost and employee relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write technical reports, quality procedures and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 / ISO 9001 standards.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to give clear and concise instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with difficult problems involving ambiguous circumstances in non-standardized situations.
• A personal and professional background sufficient to secure a Government Security Clearance is required.

EEO STATEMENT

Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) is an equal opportunity employer. GSM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its programs, activities or employment.

BENEFITS

• Health & Wellness Programs
• Health Insurances (Medical, Dental, & Vision)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Basic & Optional Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Workers Compensation
• …and much more.