Quality Manager and Safety Support

Sierra Lobo, Inc.; Milan (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Lobo, Inc. is seeking an experienced Quality & Safety Manager at its Milan, Ohio facility. This critical role involves leading the Quality program for the reactivation of a government-owned test facility, ensuring compliance with AS9100 standards and maintaining a safe working environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, alongside significant experience in quality management and safety leadership within aerospace and defense sectors. Strong leadership skills and the ability to obtain security clearance are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in quality management and safety leadership.
• Experience building or managing a QMS aligned with AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and high-risk work controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a QMS compliant with AS9100 standards.
• Ensure alignment of the QMS with regulatory, contractual, and customer requirements.
• Develop standardized templates for operating procedures, test plans, and safety procedures.

Skills

Quality management

Safety leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Document control systems

Strong leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Safety, or related technical discipline

Tools

Document control software

Quality Management System (QMS)

Configuration management tools

Job description

Overview

Sierra Lobo offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies. We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems. Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and NASA.

This position is located at our Milan, Ohio facility.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced, onsite Quality & Safety Manager to lead the Quality program for the reactivation of a government‑owned test facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a robust Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with AS9100 standards, while assisting in the safe execution of all reactivation activities involving high‑risk operations. The ideal candidate will be a hands‑on leader with deep expertise in quality system development, controlled documentation, system safety engineering, and industrial safety practices for high‑hazard environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a Quality Management System compliant with AS9100 standards.
• Establish and maintain standards for quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to support testing, maintenance, and operational readiness.
• Manage the document control system, including:
  • Creation, revision, approval, and distribution of controlled documents
  • Configuration management and version control
  • Document retention policies and audit traceability
• Ensure alignment of QMS with regulatory, contractual, and customer requirements.
• Facilitate training and adoption of quality processes across engineering and operations teams.

Document Creation & Management

• Develop standardized templates and frameworks for:
  • Operating procedures
  • Test plans and protocols
  • Inspection and acceptance criteria
  • Safety procedures and permits
• Lead cross‑functional document reviews to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and usability.
• Maintain centralized document repositories and ensure accessibility and version integrity.
• Support contract compliance by ensuring all required deliverables and records are properly documented and controlled.

Safety – Facility Reactivation Focus

• Assist in the development and implementation of safety programs specifically tailored to reactivation of dormant/inactive test facilities.
• Assist Safety leadership in oversight for high‑risk activities, including:
  • Working at heights
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Confined space entry
  • High energy hazard controls (mechanical, cryogenic, explosive constituents, high‑pressure gas, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic)
  • Crane and rigging operations
  • Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) operations
• Augmented support for JHAs and risk assessments for all critical tasks.
• Partner with Safety leadership to ensure operations and maintenance teams establish safe work permits and procedures.
• Support field audits, inspections, and safety observations during reactivation activities.
• Assist in compliance with OSHA and applicable government safety regulations.

System Safety & Engineering Support

• Participate in System Safety Design Reviews for test systems, infrastructure, and operational processes.
• Support review of FMEA and similar risk assessment methods.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify and mitigate design and operational risks.
• Ensure safety is incorporated into system design, modifications, and commissioning activities.
• Support hazard tracking systems and verification/closure of mitigation actions.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Safety, or related technical discipline.
  • 4+ years of experience in quality management and safety leadership within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or test facility environments.
  • Demonstrated experience building or managing a QMS aligned with AS9100 or ISO 9001.
  • Strong experience in document control systems and technical documentation management.
  • Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and high‑risk work controls (LOTO, confined space, fall protection, etc.).
  • Experience supporting FMEA and system safety reviews.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to obtain security clearance.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent.
  • Experience with government or defense test facilities.
  • Familiarity with configuration management practices and tools.
  • Experience supporting facility startup, construction, or reactivation projects.
• Preferred
  • Experience in high‑hazard environments requiring frequent presence in active reactivation zones.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

This position is critical to ensuring the safe and compliant reactivation of a major government test facility, establishing the foundation for long‑term operational excellence through an AS9100‑compliant QMS and disciplined safety practices.