Quality Manager

Howmet Aerospace Inc.; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Fastening Systems in Fullerton, CA is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the quality department at the manufacturing plant. The role focuses on developing and guiding the Quality Assurance system to ensure products meet AS9100, QA manuals, and customer standards.

You will drive quality strategy, lead audits, manage supplier quality, and coordinate corrective actions. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in aerospace quality systems and team leadership, with a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of leading a team of direct reports overseeing quality systems.
• Advanced Degree in quality management, quality systems, mechanical engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Quality department: supervise and appraise performance; hire, train and develop QA staff; lead quality improvements to reduce scrap and improve customer satisfaction.
• Interprets customer, corporate and division quality standards for plant personnel; maintains site procedures supporting the Quality Assurance Manual; promotes quality culture.
• Implements procedures for inspection, disposition and record retention for incoming materials; reviews quality issues with suppliers and provides surveillance.
• Leads root cause analysis, coordinates corrective actions, and tracks quality data and trends; conducts management reviews and publishes reports.
• Interfaces with Customers, Engineering and Operations to plan for product realization and drive continuous improvement.
• Direct the quality teams in evaluating product quality to meet customer requirements and on-time delivery.
• Develops and implements quality control methods for all manufactured products and conducts inspections and calibration procedures.
• Reviews Engineering packages for proper inspection methodology and ensures NADCAP/AS9100 compliance; coordinates audits and corrective actions.
• Be a skilled people manager, capable of coaching and developing high-performance teams in project environments.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, or related field

7+ years of professional engineering experience in a manufacturing environment

3+ years of leading a team of direct reports overseeing quality systems

Advanced Degree in quality management, quality systems, mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

• 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) is looking for a Quality Manager at our manufacturing plant in Fullerton, CA.

The Quality Manager develops and leads Quality Assurance system to assure that manufacturing processes will produce products that meet required Product Standards as described in AS9100, Quality Assurance Manual, and customer requirements. This is a key change agent position accountable for results, with minimal guidance, in the assigned areas of responsibilities. This position will be responsible for leading the quality department, developing strategies, priorities and directing implementation in the assigned areas.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages the Quality department:
  • Supervise and appraise performance for all Quality Assurance personnel; hire, train and develop all reporting employees.Lead quality department to improve process and product quality, reduce scrap, increase customer satisfaction, and algin with all internal and external governance.
• Interprets pertinent customer, corporate and division quality standards for plant personnel; develops and maintains site procedures and processes in support of division Quality Assurance Manual. Leads and promotes the quality culture across the organization.
• 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 non-conformance, is responsible for measurement of non-conformance costs and secures and maintains data collection and statistical systems to aid in process control, root cause problem identification. Coordinates regular management meetings to review corrective action and quality systems. 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.
• Direct the quality teams in evaluating quality of products to meet the customer’s quality and on-time delivery requirements.
• Develop and implement quality control methods for all manufactured products. Conduct investigation to establish inspection and calibration procedures and performance of these tasks.
• Review Engineering packages to ensure appropriate inspection methodology.
• Ensures that 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 Nadcap, AS9100, and Industry regulatory requirements. Coordinate and conduct customer and accreditation audits. Enhance and implement the internal audit system and associated corrective actions. Leads training efforts for site employees with regard to total preventive quality.
• Develop effective relationships with all levels of staff and functional groups. Possess 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. Enjoy and have experience in coaching and mentoring others to achieve success in fluid, project/team-based environments.
• Complete job related task as assigned.

Managerial Responsibilities

Carries out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and HR initiatives. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; participating in business development.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, or related field
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of leading a team of direct reports overseeing quality systems
• 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 position.

Preferred Requirements:

• Advanced Degree in quality management, quality systems, mechanical engineering or related field

Experience with aerospace, fastening, or precision manufacturing processes preferred.

Preferred ASQ Certifications: CQE, CQM, CRE or CSSBB

• Working knowledge on NADCAP requirements and audit
• Knowledge of Aerospace product/process specification requirements (AMS, ASTM, etc.)
• Experience in product and process failure analysis and an understanding of quality principles (SPC, TQM, MRB etc.)

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to:
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand and sit.
• Occasionally Frequently required to walk and talk or hear.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Hearing protection is required while on the shop floor.

About Us

Compensation and Benefits:

If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.

Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Our Story:

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report . Follow: LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube .

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.

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.