Production QA - Quality Manager

Forensics Source; Dalton (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Safariland is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead QA and QC in our ISO-certified manufacturing facility. This role drives continuous improvement, manages the Quality Management System, and ensures strict compliance with ISO 9001, NIJ, and all regulatory requirements while maintaining product excellence.

You will lead audits, CAPA programs, and supplier quality initiatives, partner with Operations to resolve root causes, interpret engineering drawings, establish inspection plans,

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in a Quality Leadership position in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using measuring and test tools, calibration, Lean, 6 Sigma, 5S practices.
• Able to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, Certificates of Conformance/Analysis.
• Proficient in the use and handling of gages and capable of working in metric and English units of measure.
• Strong background of Inspection and Testing procedures and methodologies, including first Article Inspections/Test in accordance to AS9102 or equivalent.
• Strong problem solving and data collection skills and experience.
• Ability to educate and influence all departments with a quality first mentality.
• General Knowledge of Project and Risk Management activities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with passion for the mission.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ISO 9001 compliance.
• Lead internal and external ISO audits.
• Oversee Quality Management System (QMS) with leadership.
• Develop and monitor QA protocols and procedures.
• Partner with Operations for CAPA and root-cause analysis.
• Ensure product quality meets customer and regulatory standards (e.g., NIJ).
• Identify process and product improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives using Cadre Operating Model.
• Develop and mentor the quality team and promote a culture of quality.
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with quality standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to product/process quality.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of quality documents.
• Use engineering drawings to identify inspection points and qualify products.
• Develop inspection/testing plans including COF, material discrepancy forms.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of testing equipment.
• Stay informed of changes to industry regulations and standards.
• Meet customer, legal and regulatory quality requirements (e.g., NIJ-0101.06).
• All other duties as assigned

Skills

Measuring tools

Calibration

Lean

Six Sigma

5S

Engineering drawings

First Article Inspection

Data collection

Risk management

Communication skills

Quality mindset

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Manager to lead and oversee all quality assurance and control functions in our ISO-certified manufacturing facility. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards, maintaining product excellence, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Manager will lead the Quality Management System (QMS), manage internal and external audits, and foster a culture of quality throughout the organization. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Quality Manager will be responsible for risk management, supplier quality, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that products meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain and manage compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Prepare and lead internal and external ISO audits.
• Partner with the leadership team to ensure adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance protocols and procedures.
• Partner with Operations to conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure product quality meets customer and regulatory standards. (ie: NIJ)
• Identify and implement process and product improvements to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement initiatives, while utilizing the Cadre Operating Model.
• Manage and develop the quality team, providing training and mentorship.
• Promote a culture of quality across all levels of the organization.
• Evaluate and monitor supplier performance and compliance with quality standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to product and process quality.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and updating of quality-related documents. (Control of Documented Information)
• Use engineering drawings to identify required inspection points and qualify products (incoming raw materials and finished goods)
• Develop and oversee inspection and testing plans for incoming, in-process, and final products, including: Certificate of Compliance, material discrepancy, and part inspection forms etc.
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of testing equipment.
• Stay informed of changes to industry regulations and standards.
• Ensure the organization meets all customer, legal and regulatory requirements related to quality. (ie: NIJ-0101.06)
• All other duties as assigned

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

• 5 – 7 years experience in a Quality Leadership position in a manufacturing environment
• Experience using measuring and test tools, calibration, Lean, 6 Sigma, 5S practices
• Able to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, Certificates of Conformance/Analysis
• Proficient in the use and handling of gages and capable of working in metric and English units of measure
• Strong background of Inspection and Testing procedures and methodologies, including first Article Inspections/Test in accordance to AS9102 or equivalent
• Strong problem solving and data collection skills and experience
• Ability to educate and influence all departments with a quality first mentality
• General Knowledge of Project and Risk Management activities
• Strong organizational and communication skills with passion for the mission

Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand and walk for an extended period of time
• Able to lift and carry objects or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs or 18 kg.

Why work at Safariland?

At Safariland our colleagues are some of the best and brightest in the industry and we are seeking new team members who exhibit the diverse competencies that will drive The Safariland Group to even greater success while maintaining our culture of being a great place to work. We believe innovation drives winning performance and we constantly challenge ourselves to be the very best in every aspect of our business. We cultivate a work culture driven by our 4 core values; integrity, curiosity, excellence and empowerment and we want associates to be involved in their work and communities so they can achieve their highest level of wellbeing. That is why Safariland offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security for eligible employees and their families.

Eligible employees are offered:

• 401(k) with company match
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Employer paid disability
• Wellness program
• Adoption assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Work life balance
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave and paid holidays throughout the calendar year (consistent with relevant state law and company policies)

The Safariland Group believes in the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative actions . We pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.
For those applicants with disabilities, if you require reasonable accommodation in searching for a job opening or submitting an application, please contact us by calling 888-469-6455.
All employment decisions are solely based on the applicant's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position.