Quality Manager

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the Quality Management System and QA operations at our Rochester, NY site. The role focuses on driving manufacturing excellence while ensuring compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001, and coordinating with suppliers and customers on quality matters.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of technical experience with 4–6 years in management, strong leadership and analytical skills, and proficiency with M1 ERP, MS Word, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant technical experience and 4–6 years of management experience.
• Experience with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards required.
• Background in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or engineering preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., M1), Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound judgement and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the QMS lead, ensuring AS9100 and ISO 9001 compliance across the organization.
• Oversee QA operations and drive quality engineering initiatives supporting manufacturing excellence.
• Lead audits, manage supplier and customer quality interactions, and maintain robust quality processes.
• Direct QA staff, staffing, scheduling, and performance management to sustain high quality and on-time delivery.
• Guide continuous improvement projects and root-cause analysis for corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

ERP (M1)

MS Word

Excel

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ERP systems (M1)

Job description

About the Role

This role requires full-time on-site presence at our Rochester, NY location. The Quality Manager leads the organization's Quality Management System (QMS), oversees Quality Assurance operations, and drives Quality Engineering initiatives that support manufacturing excellence. This role ensures compliance with customer, commercial, and military requirements while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and high performance. The Quality Manager supervises QA staff, leads audits, manages supplier and customer quality interactions, and implements robust quality processes that support product reliability and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Serve as the Management Representative for the QMS, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Lead third-party surveillance audits and maintain certification readiness.
• Develop, update, and maintain QMS procedures, work instructions, and documentation.
• Conduct internal audits and lead quarterly Management Review Meetings.
• Review and control customer quality requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Quality Assurance Leadership

• Manage daily operations of the Quality Assurance department, including staffing, scheduling, and performance management.
• Maintain and enforce quality assurance processes to ensure product conformity and on-time delivery.
• Define and manage end-to-end test environments, including tools, methods, and processes.
• Evaluate services and processes to identify deficiencies and implement improvements.

Quality Engineering & Manufacturing Support

• Design and implement manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality procedures.
• Support testing of processes and products to ensure compliance with customer, commercial, and military requirements.
• Assist in identifying and delivering quality-related training across the organization.
• Participate in plant continuous improvement initiatives and support layout changes to improve flow and reduce waste.

Supplier & Customer Quality

• Participate in supplier evaluation, selection, approval, and performance management.
• Administer Customer Source Surveillance Audits.
• Interface with customers to review quality requirements, First Article expectations, and corrective action progress.

Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and participate in MRB, CAB, and Engineering Change Control Board activities.
• Drive root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Promote Lean initiatives including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Visual Factory.
• Track and report organizational performance metrics and quality objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant technical experience and 4-6 years of management experience.
• Experience with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards required.
• Background in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, or engineering preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., M1), Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with sound judgment and decision‑making skills.

Work Requirements/Condition

• Work performed in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Extended periods of standing may be required; seating is available at all workstations.
• Able to lift and move materials up to 25 pounds independently.
• Frequent use of hands for operating equipment, computers, and hand tools.
• May require bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses in designated areas.
• Wear company‑issued smock or ESD‑protective garments where required.
• Compliance with all company safety policies and procedures is mandatory.