Assistant Quality Control Manager

BRIGHT LIGHTS USA; Mount Laurel Township (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BLUSA Defense Manufacturing in Mount Laurel Township, NJ, seeks an Assistant Quality Control Manager to lead the QC team on the factory floor. You will perform and oversee inspections, review conformity to drawings, and drive corrective actions with the production staff.

The role demands hands-on leadership, GD&T proficiency, and ongoing QMS improvements to meet defense industry standards and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or a related field.
• 3–7 years of quality control or quality assurance experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and AS9100; defense/aerospace context preferred.
• Hands-on experience performing manufacturing inspections and using precision measurement equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T; troubleshoot quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily quality control activities and act as hands-on working manager on the floor.
• Mentor and develop quality personnel through training and feedback.
• Review inspection reports, first article inspections, and quality records for accuracy.
• Investigate nonconformances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support QMS maintenance, internal/external audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and other departments to resolve issues.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment and ensure proper training.

Skills

Leadership

Inspection

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Coaching

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Mentoring

Hands-on supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality/Manufacturing

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

CMMs

ERP/MRP systems

Quality management software

Job description

Position OverviewBLUSA Defense Manufacturing is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven Assistant Quality Control Manager to support the leadership and daily operations of the Quality Control department within our manufacturing and product realization environment.The Assistant Quality Control Manager plays a key role in ensuring that all products, processes, and inspection activities meet applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory specifications, including those governing defense and aerospace manufacturing.Working closely with the Quality Control Manager, this position helps oversee inspection activities, develop and mentor quality personnel, address product and process nonconformances, and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.This is a working, hands-on management position that requires active involvement in the day-to-day inspection and quality control activities of the department. The Assistant Quality Control Manager is expected to lead by example by performing inspections, utilizing precision measurement equipment, reviewing product conformity, troubleshooting quality issues, and providing direct technical support to inspectors and production personnel. This individual must be equally comfortable managing personnel and actively working alongside the team on the manufacturing floor.The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, effective leadership skills, and the ability to balance hands-on inspection responsibilities with supervisory and departmental management duties. This individual must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environment and demonstrate a commitment to product quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Quality Department Leadership & ManagementAssist the Quality Control Manager in overseeing the daily operations and activities of the Quality Control department.Provide direction, supervision, and support to quality inspectors, technicians, and other department personnel.Actively participate in daily Quality Control activities and serve as a hands-on working manager rather than solely providing administrative oversight.Assist with assigning workloads, establishing priorities, monitoring performance, and ensuring departmental objectives are met.Lead by example by actively supporting inspection operations, resolving technical challenges, and assisting personnel as needed.Mentor and develop quality personnel through hands-on training, coaching, and performance feedback.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the Quality Control department.Inspection & Product QualityActively perform and oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities to ensure products conform to engineering drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and applicable quality standards.Utilize precision measurement equipment and inspection tools to verify product conformity, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMMs, and other inspection instruments.Provide hands-on technical assistance to inspectors and production personnel with measurement methods, drawing interpretation, GD&T, and inspection requirements.Ensure inspection plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria are properly implemented and followed.Review and approve inspection reports, test results, first article inspection documentation, and other quality records, as authorized.Ensure nonconforming materials and products are properly identified, documented, segregated, and dispositioned in accordance with established procedures.Assist in investigating quality issues, identifying root causes, and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.Monitor product quality trends and communicate recurring issues or areas of concern to management.Quality Systems & ComplianceSupport the implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).Ensure quality control activities comply with applicable standards, including ISO 9001, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.Assist with monitoring compliance with applicable defense and aerospace contract requirements.Support internal and external audits, including customer, registrar, and regulatory audits.Assist in preparing audit documentation, responding to findings, and tracking corrective actions through completion.Ensure quality records and documentation are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Production, Engineering, and other departments to identify, communicate, and resolve quality-related issues.Provide hands-on technical guidance regarding inspection requirements, drawing interpretation, specifications, measurement techniques, and product acceptance criteria.Work directly with production personnel on the manufacturing floor to identify and resolve quality issues as they arise.Participate in production meetings, material reviews, and problem-solving activities as required.Support timely resolution of quality concerns to minimize production delays, scrap, rework, and customer impact.Equipment & Continuous ImprovementOversee the proper calibration, maintenance, and control of inspection, measurement, and testing equipment.Ensure inspection personnel are properly trained and qualified to perform assigned inspection activities.Identify opportunities to improve inspection methods, departmental processes, and overall quality performance.Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction.Assist the Quality Control Manager with departmental planning, reporting, and performance metrics.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.3–7 years of quality control or quality assurance experience within a manufacturing environment.Defense, aerospace, precision machining, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience strongly preferred.Previous supervisory, team leadership, or mentoring experience preferred.Demonstrated hands-on experience performing manufacturing inspections, utilizing precision measurement equipment, interpreting engineering drawings, and resolving quality issues.Ability and willingness to remain actively involved in daily inspection activities while managing and supporting department personnel.Technical SkillsWorking knowledge of Quality Management Systems and standards, including ISO 9001 and AS9100.Proficiency in using inspection and measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMMs, and other precision measuring instruments.Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).Familiarity with incoming, in-process, and final inspection methodologies.Knowledge of nonconformance reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action processes.Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize ERP/MRP systems and quality management software.Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.Leadership & Interpersonal SkillsStrong leadership and team-building capabilities, with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop personnel.Effective verbal and written communication skills.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and organizational levels.Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality concerns.Ability to balance supervisory responsibilities with direct, hands-on technical and inspection work.Preferred QualificationsASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).Experience supporting defense and aerospace contracts and associated regulatory requirements, including ITAR and DFARS.Familiarity with First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements, including AS9102.Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).Experience with supplier quality, customer quality requirements, and external audit support.Why Join BLUSA Defense Manufacturing?Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven defense manufacturing organization supporting critical products and programs.Collaborative team environment focused on quality, innovation, and operational excellence.Competitive compensation and benefits package.Opportunities for professional development, continued education, and career advancement.Opportunity to take on a leadership role and make a meaningful impact on product quality and organizational performance.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsWork is performed in a combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.Regular and active presence on the manufacturing floor is required. This is a hands-on position involving direct participation in inspection activities and daily production support.Must be able to stand, walk, and perform hands-on inspections on the production floor as needed.Must be able to safely operate or utilize applicable inspection and measurement equipment.Must be able to work safely around manufacturing equipment and comply with all applicable workplace safety requirements.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.