Quality Manager

Blue-Bridge-People; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue-Bridge-People is seeking a Quality Manager in South Bend, Indiana, to lead quality systems in the automotive and defense manufacturing sector. This role involves ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving continuous improvement across cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience, strong knowledge of AIAG Core Tools, and proficiency in ISO standards. Base compensation ranges from $100k to $130k, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience within the automotive industry preferred.
• Hands-on experience in an automotive assembly or manufacturing plant.
• Experience with ISO standards and IATF 16949 certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain Product Quality Standards in alignment with requirements.
• Lead APQP planning, validation, and execution for new programs.
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

AIAG Core Tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business-related field

Tools

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

ISO standards and IATF 16949

Job description

Quality Manager – Automotive / Defense Manufacturing

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer in the defense sector, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead quality systems and ensure compliance across mission-critical programs. This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly regulated environment where product integrity, continuous improvement, and cross-functional leadership are essential to success.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain Product Quality Standards in alignment with customer, contractual, regulatory, and government requirements.
• Lead APQP planning, validation, and execution for new programs and engineering changes, including PFMEAs, Special Characteristics, Control Plans, and internal 8D corrective actions.
• Develop and implement Quality Plans while ensuring effective production Quality Control Loops (build, confirm, and audit) to support product integrity.
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives utilizing 8D and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance build quality and process robustness.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Quality procedures, processes, and acceptance criteria in accordance with IATF 16949 and ISO standards.
• Act as the primary Quality liaison with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Government Quality/Engineering representatives.
• Lead and support Quality operations, including dimensional layout, corrosion testing, gage calibration, electrical testing, and Dynamic Vehicle Testing, as needed.
• Manage Quality System updates related to new model launches, engineering changes, and production transitions.
• Coach, mentor, and lead Quality Engineers to ensure technical competency, compliance, and accountability.
• Provide Quality leadership across Integrated Product Teams (IPT), Product Development Teams (PDT), Engineering Change Notices (ECN), Engineering Try-Outs, Production Trial Runs, and Quality Steering Committee (QSC) reviews and approvals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience within the automotive industry preferred.
• Proven experience leading and developing Quality Engineering teams preferred.
• Hands-on experience in an automotive assembly or manufacturing plant environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Experience with ISO standards and IATF 16949 certification and compliance preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Experience working with the U.S. Government’s Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), or within an OEM/Tier 1 automotive or truck quality organization preferred.
• Working knowledge of automotive diagnostic troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with clear and effective communication abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business-related field preferred.

Base compensation is $100k-$130k DOE