Quality Assurance Manager - PCB Manufacturing

Pioneer Circuits, Inc.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 89,400 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Pioneer Circuits, a leading U.S. PCB manufacturer, seeks a Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA team, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards. This role partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations to raise quality performance across processes.

The candidate will oversee audits, CAPA, MRB/TRB activities, and customer-facing quality initiatives, ensuring timely resolution of findings and robust quality planning for new qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive QA leadership in PCB/electronics manufacturing.
• Experience with AS9100/ISO9001 QMS.
• Strong understanding of rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCB manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aerospace/defense industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the QA team with clear priorities and accountability.
• Oversee QA operations, inspections, and quality-system responsibilities to meet requirements.
• Oversee contract and purchase-order quality reviews before production; guide high-risk requirements.
• Lead QMS with compliance to AS9100, ISO9001, MIL specs and customer requirements.
• Drive CAPA with root cause analysis and long-term effectiveness.
• Manage audits (AS9100, DLA, NADCAP) and corrective actions.
• Monitor quality metrics and communicate results to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Quality management systems

Aerospace quality

Problem solving

Lean/Six Sigma

ERP/MRP

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

5+ years QA leadership in PCB/electronics

AS9100/ISO9001 experience

Tools

ProCIM

MIL/aerospace quality requirements

Job description

About Pioneer Circuits

Since its establishment in 1981, Pioneer Circuits has been leading the way in technology solutions for mission‑critical systems. As the leading, privately held U.S. manufacturer of innovative high‑performance flexible circuit boards, we are dedicated to the design, production, and assembly of advanced printed circuit board assembly (PCBAs) technology solutions. We develop cutting‑edge solutions that explore new frontiers, serve and protect our armed forces and allies, safeguard national security against evolving threats, and propel advancements in hypersonic technology. Our customers include some of the largest aerospace and defense companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, NASA, JPL, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.

About the Opportunity

The Quality Assurance Manager leads Pioneer Circuits' Quality Assurance function, ensuring products, processes, and quality systems consistently meet customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the Quality Assurance team while partnering with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and customers to drive continuous improvement, strengthen the Quality Management System, and improve overall business performance. As the leader of the Quality Assurance department, this position is responsible for developing team capabilities, ensuring audit readiness, driving corrective and preventive actions, improving quality metrics, and fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality Assurance team by establishing clear priorities, providing performance feedback, and building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily Quality Assurance operations, ensuring customer requirements, production support activities, inspections, and quality system responsibilities are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Oversee the contract and purchase order quality review process, ensuring customer quality requirements be evaluated prior to order acceptance, manufacturing capabilities aligned, and quality risks identified and addressed before production begins. Provide guidance and decision‑making support for complex or high‑risk customer requirements.
• Provide leadership for Pioneer Circuits' Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DLA, MIL specifications, customer requirements, and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Planning, CAM, and Operations to improve manufacturing quality, reduce scrap and rework, improve first‑pass yield, and support on‑time delivery objectives.
• Lead customer, registrar, and regulatory audits, including AS9100, DLA, customer audits, and participation in NADCAP audits, ensuring ongoing audit readiness and timely resolution of findings.
• Drive the company's corrective and preventive action (CAPA) process by ensuring effective root cause analysis, implementation of corrective actions, and verification of long‑term effectiveness.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for significant customer quality concerns, providing leadership and guidance on complex quality issues while supporting the Quality Engineering team in maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Monitor customer scorecards, quality metrics, internal trends, and process performance to identify risks, prioritize improvement initiatives, and communicate results to leadership.
• Lead Material Review Board (MRB), Technical Review Board (TRB), nonconforming material disposition, and quality decision‑making to ensure consistent application of quality standards.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures that strengthen operational performance.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate new processes, equipment, technologies, and process improvements that enhance manufacturing capability and product quality.
• Support new customer qualifications, product introductions, and quality planning activities to ensure customer expectations are successfully implemented throughout production.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong leadership skills with experience building, developing, and motivating high‑performing quality teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and build trusted relationships with customers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience leading root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Quality Management Systems, including AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL specifications, and aerospace quality requirements.
• Strong understanding of PCB manufacturing processes, process controls, IPC standards, and high‑reliability electronics manufacturing.
• Experience leading customer quality activities, audits, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Ability to analyze quality data, identify trends, establish priorities, and make sound business decisions.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
• 5+ years of progressive Quality Assurance leadership experience in PCB manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading teams within an AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Strong understanding of rigid, flex, and rigid‑flex printed circuit board manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability industries preferred.
• Experience with ProCIM and MIL/aerospace quality requirements preferred.

California Pay Range: $89,400 USD - $115,000 USD

Pioneer Circuits provides a comprehensive benefits package for all full‑time roles, encompassing healthcare, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Additionally, employees enjoy paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan + company match, along with various voluntary benefits options.

This is an ITAR‑controlled facility. As such, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Employment eligibility will be verified through the E‑Verify system as part of the hiring process.

Pioneer Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.