Quality Assurance Manager

Microtech Knives; Fletcher (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Microtech Knives in Fletcher, NC, seeks a Quality Assurance Manager to lead QA across CNC machining, inspection, and supplier quality initiatives. You will develop and implement standardized QA procedures to ensure parts meet engineering drawings, tolerances, and quality standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership of QA inspectors, CAPA processes, and collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations to drive process improvements and product integrity across all production

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field with progressive QA/QC experience.
• Minimum five years in quality assurance/control within CNC machining or precision manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of quality inspection personnel and CAPA programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain QA procedures across multiple facilities.
• Oversee QC activities from incoming materials to final inspections.
• Ensure components meet GD&T, tolerances, and product specs.
• Maintain inspection methods and acceptance criteria across locations.
• Monitor quality metrics, identify nonconformances, and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ISO standards.
• Oversee calibration programs and measurement system reliability.
• Lead supplier quality evaluations and audits.

Skills

Quality leadership

Analytical thinking

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing Technology, or related discipline

Tools

CMM programming

ERP systems

MES systems

Microsoft Excel

Quality management software

Job description

Precision. Innovation. American Craftsmanship.

Founded in 1994, Microtech Knives is a family-owned, American manufacturer recognized for producing some of the world's most innovative and precision-engineered cutting tools. With operations in Western North Carolina and Bradford, Pennsylvania, we have built our reputation on exceptional craftsmanship, advanced manufacturing technology, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

At Microtech, we believe excellence is achieved through the dedication, skill, and pride of the people behind our products. From manufacturing and engineering to customer service, sales, and administration, every team member plays an important role in maintaining the standards that define our brand.

We foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and attention to detail. We value individuals who take ownership of their work, embrace challenges, and share our commitment to producing exceptional American-made products.

Whether you are beginning your career or bringing years of experience, Microtech offers an opportunity to contribute to a respected American manufacturing legacy.

Join our team and help us continue setting the standard for precision, performance, and craftsmanship.

Quality Assurance Manager

Location: 15 National Ave, Fletcher, NC 28732
Department: Machine Shop
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary $110,000.00 - $125,000.00/ year
Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized quality assurance and inspection procedures across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Oversee quality control activities throughout the manufacturing process, including incoming materials, in-process inspections, and final product inspections.
• Ensure manufactured components meet established engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, product specifications, and quality standards.
• Establish and maintain consistent inspection methods and acceptance criteria across all production locations.
• Monitor quality performance, identify nonconforming products, and ensure timely containment, documentation, and resolution of quality issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, internal quality standards, and established manufacturing procedures.
• Maintain oversight of inspection equipment, calibration programs, and measurement system reliability.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurring quality issues.
• Analyze scrap, rework, defect rates, and first-pass yield to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations to improve production processes, product consistency, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Utilize continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency through automation, technology, and process standardization.
• Develop and monitor quality performance indicators and measurable improvement objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, train, and develop quality inspectors, technicians, and other assigned quality personnel across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Establish clear departmental expectations, performance standards, and accountability measures.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and identify training and development opportunities.
• Promote a proactive quality culture focused on precision, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with production leadership to resolve quality concerns while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and product integrity.
• Ensure inspection personnel are properly trained in measurement techniques, inspection procedures, and quality documentation requirements.

CNC Machining & Technical Quality

• Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and technical specifications.
• Oversee precision measurement and inspection processes for CNC-machined components.
• Provide technical guidance regarding Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) operations, programming, setup, and inspection applications.
• Ensure proper application of precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other dimensional inspection tools.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to address dimensional variation, machining defects, and process capability concerns.
• Support new product introductions by reviewing inspection requirements, quality expectations, and manufacturing readiness.

Supplier & Vendor Quality Management

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Engineering to establish supplier quality expectations and acceptance standards.
• Monitor incoming material quality and supplier performance.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits as necessary to ensure compliance with established quality requirements.
• Investigate supplier-related quality concerns and coordinate corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier consistency and reduce material-related defects.

Quality Systems, Documentation & Reporting

• Develop, maintain, and improve quality management system (QMS) documentation, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Ensure accurate documentation of inspections, nonconformances, corrective actions, and quality-related activities.
• Maintain organized and auditable quality records.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports, trends, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership.
• Establish measurable departmental goals and track progress toward quality and operational objectives.
• Support internal and external quality audits as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in quality assurance or quality control within a CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or related manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or managing quality inspection personnel.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining operations, precision manufacturing processes, and dimensional inspection practices.
• Working knowledge of CMM operations, programming, setup, and inspection methods.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and dimensional tolerances.
• Experience utilizing precision measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems, ISO quality principles, SPC, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.
• Ability to analyze quality data, identify trends, and develop sustainable process improvements.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality reporting systems.
• Ability to travel between manufacturing locations in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, up to 25% as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional quality certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or other recognized ASQ certifications.
• Experience implementing or improving quality management systems in multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, process capability studies, and advanced quality improvement methodologies.
• Previous experience in the knife, cutlery, or high-precision component manufacturing industry.
• Experience supporting new product development and production launches.
• Quality Leadership: Establishes high standards and holds teams accountable for quality and performance.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrates a strong understanding of precision machining, dimensional inspection, and manufacturing processes.
• Analytical Thinking: Uses data and objective analysis to identify problems and implement effective solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identifies opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and executive leadership.
• Decision-Making: Makes timely, informed decisions while balancing product quality, manufacturing requirements, and business objectives.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of quality performance, departmental results, and corrective action initiatives.

Why Join Microtech Knives?

At Microtech, you have the opportunity to be part of an established American manufacturing company with a reputation for innovation, precision, and craftsmanship.

Eligible employees may have access to company-sponsored benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings opportunities through our 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and applicable paid holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• A collaborative environment focused on quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Specific benefits, eligibility requirements, and plan provisions vary by position and are governed by applicable company policies and benefit plan documents.

Microtech Knives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Microtech Knives provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, as required by applicable law.