Quality Lead - Defence

Combustion Research Associates; Dadri; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Combustion Research Associates in India seeks a seasoned Quality Lead to drive inspection standards, technical compliance and quality outcomes across manufacturing operations for defence programmes.

You will lead a team of inspectors, manage ISO 9001:2015 QMS with audits, and coordinate with production, design and engineering to resolve quality issues on complex CNC/VMC components and welded structures.

Qualifications

• B.Tech/B.E. or Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or relevant technical certification.
• 46 years of experience in quality control/quality assurance in fabrication, manufacturing, or EPC environments, including experience supervising or leading a team
• Strong knowledge of defence-sector quality requirements, testing standards, and certification/documentation processes
• Hands-on experience in structural, tank pressure vessel fabrication inspection
• Welding and NDT (Dye Penetrant, Radiography, Ultrasonic Testing) and EPC testing requirements
• Experience in CNC VMC component inspection and reading complex 2D/3D drawings
• Experience with ISO 9001:2015 QMS and internal/external audits
• Strong team leadership, documentation, and stakeholder management
• Proficiency in MS Office; ERP or quality software is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Quality Inspectors, overseeing in-process and final inspection of components and assemblies
• Act as the technical expert on defence-sector quality, testing, and certification requirements, guiding the team on compliance for defence programmes
• Define and enforce inspection standards, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria across structural, tank pressure vessel fabrication, CNC/VMC components, and welded assemblies
• Oversee the NDT programme (Dye Penetrant Testing, Radiography Testing, Ultrasonic Testing) and ensure compliance with EPC and client-specific testing requirements
• Lead root cause analysis and CAPA for non-conformities
• Support ISO 9001:2015 QMS documentation, internal audits, and external audit preparation
• Maintain calibration records and inspection documentation for the team
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Lean) within the team
• Represent quality on defence programmes in client and auditor interactions
• Coordinate with production, design, and engineering teams to resolve quality issues
• Mentor and develop Quality Inspectors, building technical capability

Skills

Quality leadership

Defence quality

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Stakeholder management

MS Office

Education

B.Tech/B.E. or Diploma in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP system

Quality software

Job description

Role Overview

As Quality Lead, you will be driving inspection standards, technical compliance, and quality outcomes across CRAs manufacturing operations. You will bring deep subject‑matter expertise in defence‑sector quality requirements, taking ownership of quality on defence programmes and acting as the technical escalation point for complex inspection, testing, and compliance issues. You will report into the Quality function head, supporting the ISO 9001:2015 QMS and audit programme within your area.

This role is suited to an experienced quality professional with strong hands‑on expertise in defence‑sector quality standards, who can lead a team, drive technical rigour on the shop floor, and represent quality on defence programmes with clients and auditors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Quality Inspectors, overseeing in-process and final inspection of components and assemblies
• Act as the technical expert on defence‑sector quality, testing, and certification requirements, guiding the team on compliance for defence programmes
• Define and enforce inspection standards, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria across structural, tank pressure vessel fabrication, CNC/VMC components, and welded assemblies
• Oversee the NDT programme Dye Penetrant Testing, Radiography Testing, Ultrasonic Testing and ensure compliance with EPC and client‑specific testing requirements
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) for non‑conformities within your area
• Support the Quality function head in ISO 9001:2015 QMS documentation, internal audits, and external audit preparation
• Maintain calibration records and inspection documentation for your team's scope of work
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Lean) within the team
• Represent quality on defence programmes in client and auditor interactions, escalating to the Quality function head as needed
• Coordinate with production, design, and engineering teams to resolve quality issues and drive compliance
• Mentor and develop Quality Inspectors, building technical capability across the team

Requirements

• B.Tech/B.E. or Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or relevant technical certification
• 46 years of experience in quality control/quality assurance in fabrication, manufacturing, or EPC environments, including experience supervising or leading a team
• Demonstrated expertise in defence‑sector quality requirements, testing standards, and certification/documentation processes
• Strong hands‑on experience in structural, tank pressure vessel fabrication inspection
• Strong knowledge of welding and NDT Dye Penetrant Testing, Radiography Testing, Ultrasonic Testing and EPC testing requirements
• Experience in CNC VMC component inspection with the ability to read and interpret complex 2D/3D engineering drawings
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 QMS, with hands‑on internal/external audit experience
• Strong team leadership, documentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with ERP or quality software is an advantage