Quality Assurance Manager

Brightpath Associates LLC; Milford Mill (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A precision manufacturing company in Maryland is seeking a Quality Control Manager to lead inspection teams and ensure compliance with quality standards. This mid-senior level role requires over 5 years of management experience in quality assurance, particularly in CNC machining, along with a strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements. Responsibilities include overseeing the quality management system, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Competitive salary with benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of management experience in quality assurance within a CNC machining environment.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP compliance and leading audits.
• Proficient in reading blueprints and Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Responsibilities

• Lead the inspection team and manage day-to-day operations within quality management.
• Oversee the Quality Management System and maintain compliance with standards.
• Drive APQP activities and facilitate MRB processes.

Skills

Management experience in quality assurance

Knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP

Blueprint interpretation

Inspection tools and equipment handling

Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies

Analytical skills with attention to detail

Team leadership and collaboration

Self-motivation and multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Certifications such as ASQ CQE or Six Sigma

Tools

CMM (Zeiss preferred)

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems (Global Shop)

Job description

The Quality Control Manager is the primary owner of quality management system and inspection processes. This role is responsible for ensuring all products meet the highest quality standards, conform to customer specifications, and comply with AS9100 and NADCAP requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the inspection team in a fast‑paced precision CNC machining environment, managing day‑to‑day operations including in‑process, final, and receiving inspections.
• Oversee and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) for compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP standards, including developing and updating procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new product introductions, engineering changes, and first‑article inspections (FAI/AS9102).
• Facilitate Material Review Board (MRB) processes, including review and disposition of non‑conforming products.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer and regulatory audits, leading preparations, responses, and follow‑up actions.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions using tools such as 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone, and other problem‑solving methodologies to resolve internal, supplier, and customer issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Purchasing to identify critical features, develop inspection methodologies, manage supplier quality, and implement process controls.
• Track, analyze, and improve key quality metrics (e.g., scrap, rework, customer complaints, PPM, on‑time delivery) through data‑driven reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement and manage Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs to monitor process capability and stability.
• Promote employee engagement through training, development, performance management, and delegation within the quality team.
• Support cross‑functional teams in value engineering, risk management (FMEA), and process validation to enhance quality and efficiency.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily an office/desk‑based role, with frequent visits to the shop floor required to oversee inspections, verify processes with operators/programmers.
• Occasional overnight travel required to customers and/or trade shows.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. (parts, fixtures, gauges, or material samples).
• Ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and typical machine shop environments (exposure to noise, coolant mist, and moving machinery).
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel‑toe shoes when in production areas.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years of management experience in a quality assurance/quality control role within a precision manufacturing environment (CNC machining strongly preferred; aerospace industry experience a plus).
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements, with experience maintaining QMS compliance and leading audits.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, customer specifications, and Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Hands‑on experience with inspection tools and equipment, including CMM (Zeiss preferred), micrometers, comparators, and programming.
• Expertise in quality tools and methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, FMEA, SPC, root‑cause analysis (8D, 5‑Why, etc.), and APQP.
• Analytical skills with high attention to detail and proficiency in data analysis; Microsoft Excel required. ERP/MRP systems such as Global Shop a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, collaborate cross‑functionally, and drive decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated with a track record of improving quality metrics and managing multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• Certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor a plus.

Pre‑Screening Questions

• Please tell us more about your recent and total experience related to this position.
• Reason for looking for a job change?
• How soon can you start? Notice period?
• Current base & Expected base?

Best Regards!

Associate Manager

[e-mail]

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Quality Assurance

Industry: Machinery Manufacturing

Location: Windsor Mill, MD

Salary: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00