Quality Excellence Manager

Howmet Aerospace; Mauston (WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k matching

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace in Mauston, WI seeks a Quality Excellence Manager to build and drive the quality assurance system so manufacturing outputs meet ISO9001 standards. You will lead QA staff, manage inspections, audits, and supplier quality programs, and pursue root-cause actions across cross‑functional teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in preventive quality systems, 3+ years in leadership, and a track record of operational metric improvements while guiding continuous quality enhancements within

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 5+ years with preventive Quality Systems in manufacturing.
• 3+ years supervisory experience in Quality Systems.
• Experience improving operational metrics and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States; ITAR restrictions apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Assurance department and supervise QA personnel.
• Schedule inspections, labs, and testing to optimize efficiency.
• Maintain site procedures and QA manuals aligned with standards.
• Oversee supplier quality, audits, and corrective actions.
• Identify root causes of nonconformance and track improvements.
• Collaborate with Customers, Engineering and Operations on improvements.
• Maintain calibration systems and inspection equipment procedures.
• Foster a culture of proactive quality and training across teams.

Skills

Quality leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Measurement equipment

Job description

• Locations 1025 Parker Dr., Mauston, WI, 53948, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data. This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) in Mauston, WI is seeking a Quality Excellence Manager to develop and lead the Quality Assurance system to ensure that manufacturing processes consistently produce products that meet ISO9001 and the Quality Assurance Manual.

• Manages the Quality Assurance department:
  • Supervise and appraise performance for all Quality Assurance personnel; hire, train and recommend salary adjustments for reporting employees.
  • Schedule and track inspection, lab, and testing activities to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Interprets pertinent customer, corporate and division quality standards for plant personnel; develops and maintains site procedures and processes in support of the division Quality Assurance Manual. Leads and promotes the quality assurance philosophy including preventive quality systems.
• Implements/maintains procedures for inspection, disposition and record retention for incoming raw materials and components; reviews quality issues with suppliers and provides supplier surveillance assistance as needed.
• Proactively involved in corrective action and problem‑solving strategies. Actively pursues and identifies root cause of nonconformance, measures nonconformance costs, and secures and maintains data collection and statistical systems to aid in process control and root‑cause problem identification. Coordinates regular management meetings to review corrective action and quality systems, and publishes regular reports and identified trends.
• Interfaces with Customers, Engineering and Operations to identify requirements, plan for product realization and support continuous improvements in manufacturing processes and systems.
• Ensures that the Gage calibration system is effective and complies with company operating procedures. Maintains a system for calibrating all key inspection, gaging and process instruments and works with vendors to improve inspection techniques and equipment.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with ISO9001 and industry regulatory requirements. Coordinates and conducts customer and accreditation audits. Enhances and implements the internal audit system and associated corrective actions. Leads training efforts for HFS-Kingston employees regarding total preventive quality.
• Develops effective relationships with all levels of staff and functional groups. Possesses an ability to influence outcomes, with higher‑order communication, change management, and influencing skills.
• Be a skilled people manager and developer that deeply understands the importance of challenging, motivating, and developing high‑performance teams. Enjoys and has experience in coaching and mentoring others to achieve success in fluid, project/team‐based environments.

Work in a safe manner that promotes the health and well‑being of the individual and the environment.

Benefits

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation.

The annual salary range for this position is $130,000 – $145,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university required. Preferred to be in Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with preventive Quality Systems or relative military experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory level experience overseeing Quality Systems.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in improving operational metrics.
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and reprioritize as needed.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate cross‑functionally.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this option.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) which requires U.S. Person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical inspection equipment such as micrometers, optical comparators, hardness testers, and torque testers.
• Demonstrated ability to influence site culture and drive cultural transformation toward proactive quality assurance practices.
• Experience in leadership, mentoring, and project management.
• Basic knowledge of SPC methods.
• ASQ Certifications: CQE, CQM, CRE, CQA or CSSBB.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification.
• Knowledge of and direct experience with AS, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 17025, NADCAP.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.