Quality Manager

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Rheinmetall seeks a Quality Manager to lead the Quality Department, aligning objectives with corporate goals and driving continuous improvement across inspection, testing, and vendor quality. You will coordinate with production, engineering, and customers to ensure products meet standards and expectations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering/management/business, 8+ years in quality assurance/management, and at least 5 years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of quality assurance and compliance standards.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities overseeing staff.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and CAPA processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering docs and quality specifications.
• Excellent communication with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO14001 quality systems.
• ERP experience, preferably PLEX, for quality management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain quality objectives aligned with policies and goals.
• Interpret quality standards and communicate expectations across the org.
• Track KPIs to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Drive CAPA processes and corrective actions.
• Establish procedures for inspection, testing, and material evaluation.
• Lead review of designs, vendor quality docs, and quality records.
• Represent the company during customer audits and visits.
• Mentor quality staff and ensure compliance with codes and standards.

Skills

Quality assurance

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Process improvement

Communication

Technical documentation

AS9100/ISO14001 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/management/business

Tools

PLEX ERP

Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

The Quality Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all aspects of the company's quality program to ensure that products meet or exceed established standards and customer expectations. This role oversees quality control, quality assurance, and compliance processes, and works closely with production, engineering, and customers to support continuous improvement. The Quality Manager reports to the Vice President of Quality and leads the Quality Department staff.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain quality objectives that align with corporate policies and goals.
• Communicate and interpret quality philosophy, standards, and expectations to key personnel across the organization.
• Track and monitor performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Manage and drive the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process.
• Develop and implement standards, procedures, and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation of materials and products.
• Plan and oversee inspection, analysis, design, and testing to ensure compliance and quality of products and components.
• Review design documentation, vendor quality manuals, and company quality records for adherence to requirements.
• Represent the company during customer visits, audits, and presentations, both onsite and at customer locations.
• Review and analyze quality control and quality assurance data for consistency with company standards and compliance requirements.
• Keep management informed of significant quality issues, root causes, and actions being taken.
• Prepare and present technical and program-related information to the management team.
  Direct and support quality staff in inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of government and industry quality codes and standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO).
• Develop and deliver quality training programs for employees in coordination with department managers.
• Utilize ERP systems (PLEX preferred) to manage and support quality processes.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Yes - directly supervises employees in the Quality Department, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and resolving problems in accordance with company policies and laws.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Strong understanding of quality assurance principles, inspection/testing methods, and compliance standards.
• Leadership skills to effectively manage, mentor, and develop quality staff.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective/preventive action, and continuous improvement processes.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering documentation, and quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Knowledge of quality systems and requirements including AS9100 and ISO14001.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (PLEX preferred) for quality and compliance management.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, management, or business required.

Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years' experience in quality assurance engineering or management.
• At least five (5) years of management/supervisory experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM).
• Aerospace or defense industry quality experience.
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Occasionally stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Work in both office and manufacturing floor environments with exposure to noise, machinery, and inspection/testing equipment.
• PPE required in designated areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.