Quality Manager

Top Prospect Group; Winsted (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Prospect Group in Connecticut is seeking a Lead Quality Manager to own and drive the Quality Management System across operations and the extended value chain.

Responsibilities include ensuring ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliance, planning and conducting internal and supplier audits, analyzing quality data, guiding continuous improvement, and collaborating with Purchasing on inspection equipment and calibration programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive experience in quality management or quality system leadership.
• Demonstrated experience managing and maintaining a certified Quality Management System (ISO 9001 required; AS9100 strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of aerospace manufacturing environments and applicable customer or regulatory standards is preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, audit methodologies, process qualification, and quality system requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI).
• Solid grasp of risk-based quality tools such as MSA, PFMEA, and process capability analysis.
• Formal training or experience in structured problem-solving methodologies (Six Sigma or equivalent) is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate and proactively manage quality risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and administer the QMS to meet objectives across operations and value chain.
• Drive compliance with ISO, AS9100, and Nadcap standards.
• Plan and oversee internal, supplier, and customer audits.
• Champion continuous improvement to reduce defects and improve performance.
• Analyze quality data and present insights to site leadership.
• Serve as the primary contact for customer quality matters.
• Support calibration, metrology, and cleanroom documentation control.
• Collaborate to contain and resolve nonconformances and impacted inventory.
• Support supplier qualification, raw material sourcing, and production certification.
• Partner with Purchasing to acquire inspection and measurement equipment.
• Oversee training and certification programs for inspection personnel.
• Communicate quality risks and opportunities across teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Quality management

Audit methodologies

Data analysis

Six Sigma

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

• Lead and administer the full scope of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring objectives are met across operations and the extended value chain.
• Drive compliance with applicable industry and customer standards, including ISO, AS, and Nadcap certifications.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee internal, supplier, customer, and third‑party audits to maintain system integrity and accuracy.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects, enhancing process capability, and improving overall operational performance.
• Analyze quality and operational data, translating results into clear insights and recommendations for site and functional leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality matters, including complaints, returns, and overall satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain systems supporting calibration, metrology, and cleanroom operations, ensuring complete and compliant documentation control.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to identify, contain, and resolve nonconformances, including effective control of impacted inventory.
• Support factory‑level quality activities tied to supplier qualification, raw material sourcing, capital equipment, and production certification.
• Partner with Purchasing to identify, justify, and acquire inspection and measurement equipment to support quality objectives.
• Oversee training, qualification, and certification programs for inspection personnel, addressing skill gaps and performance trends.
• Communicate quality performance, risks, and improvement opportunities across internal teams and with external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the ongoing refinement of procedures and processes to ensure alignment with site, group, and corporate requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to develop team capabilities and support achievement of organizational goals.
• Support and participate in technology implementation and project planning related to quality systems and inspection processes.
• Experience with NDT methods and automated inspection technologies is beneficial.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive experience in quality management or quality system leadership.
• Demonstrated experience managing and maintaining a certified Quality Management System (ISO 9001 required; AS9100 strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of aerospace manufacturing environments and applicable customer or regulatory standards is preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, audit methodologies, process qualification, and quality system requirements.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI).
• Solid grasp of risk‑based quality tools such as MSA, PFMEA, and process capability analysis.
• Formal training or experience in structured problem‑solving methodologies (Six Sigma or equivalent) is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate and proactively manage quality risks.