Quality Systems and QC Manager

Kernsteel; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Steel Fabrication, Inc. seeks a Quality Systems (QMS) & QC Manager to lead the company-wide Quality Management System across fabrication and coatings operations.

The role requires on-site presence on the shop floor and hands-on leadership to improve processes, reduce rework, and ensure AWS, AISC, ISO and customer quality compliance. You will supervise quality control staff, manage audits and certifications, coordinate with operations and project teams, and drive corrective actions to

Qualifications

• CWI certification required.
• Experience in structural steel fabrication or erection.
• Strong leadership and hands-on supervision on shop floor.
• Familiarity with AWS, AISC, ISO 9001:2015 and coatings standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System across fabrication and coatings operations.
• Oversee quality control personnel and inspection activities on the shop floor and in coatings areas.
• Maintain quality documentation systems (WPS, PQR, welder qualifications, NCRs) and ensure traceability.
• Coordinate welder qualification testing and code compliance with AWS D1.1, AWS D1.8, and related standards.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits and certification activities.
• Serve as primary welding and bolting authority and liaison with inspectors, customers, and certifying bodies.
• Identify, document, investigate, and resolve nonconformances and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Quality management

Quality control

Leadership

On-site supervision

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification

Job description

Description

Kern Steel Fabrication, Inc. is hiring a Quality Systems (QMS) & Quality Control Manager. We have been in the structural steel business for over 65 years – don’t miss this opportunity to join our talented team!

Must have current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification and experience in structural steel fabrication or erection.

Summary

The Quality Systems & QC Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving Kern Steel Fabrication’s company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) across fabrication and coatings operations. This role oversees quality control personnel, inspection processes, welding and bolting compliance, coatings quality systems, and activities related to maintaining compliance with AWS, AISC, ISO, and applicable customer requirements.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring regular presence on the shop floor to identify practical opportunities for quality improvement, reduce rework, strengthen fabrication and coatings processes, and support efficient project execution. The Quality Systems & QC Manager works closely with operations leadership, project management, production personnel, customers, third‑party inspectors, and certification bodies to ensure consistent quality performance, effective issue resolution, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Essential Job Specific Duties

• Lead and continuously improve Kern Steel Fabrication’s Quality Management System (QMS) across fabrication and coatings operations in accordance with applicable customer requirements, AWS, AISC, ISO 9001:2015, AMPP/NACE, and other applicable industry standards.
• Ensure quality system processes, procedures, inspection practices, and documentation requirements are established, implemented, maintained, communicated, and consistently followed throughout the organization.
• Directly oversee quality control personnel and inspection activities within both the fabrication and coatings shops. Provide technical guidance, coaching, mentoring, and support to inspectors, shop personnel, and production leadership.
• Serve as KSF’s primary welding and bolting authority and maintain working knowledge of AWS D1.1, AWS D1.8, AISC 207‑25, AISC 420‑10, ISO 9001:2015, current AMPP/NACE standards, and related structural steel quality requirements.
• Maintain and administer quality documentation systems including WPSs, PQRs, welder qualification records, inspection reports, calibration records, NCR logs, corrective actions, and related compliance documentation.
• Coordinate and oversee welder qualification testing, weld procedure qualification activities, inspection personnel qualification support, and related code compliance requirements.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate all external audits, certification activities, and compliance reviews related to AISC, ISO, customer requirements, and other governing standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison between KSF, third‑party inspectors, auditors, customers, certifying agencies, project management teams, and operations regarding quality‑related matters.
• Identify, document, investigate, and resolve nonconformances, quality deficiencies, process issues, and customer concerns through effective corrective and preventive action processes.
• Monitor quality trends, recurring issues, rework, and inspection data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Implement practical solutions that improve quality, consistency, productivity, and overall operational performance.
• Spend substantial time on the shop floor and within coatings operations actively evaluating workflows, supporting production teams, identifying quality risks, and driving process improvements before issues impact schedule, cost, or customer satisfaction.
• Perform hands‑on quality control activities as needed including inspections, weld evaluations, fit‑up verification, material identification, coatings quality verification, documentation review, and follow‑up inspections.
• Collaborate with fabrication shop management and operations leadership to develop, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies, systems, equipment, and quality processes that improve efficiency, reporting, traceability, inspection effectiveness, and fabrication quality.
• Coordinate with project managers, production leadership, engineering, and shop personnel to support fabrication scheduling, resolve quality concerns, clarify project requirements, and maintain efficient project flow.
• Support labor estimating and fabrication scheduling activities as needed and communicate schedule impacts, quality concerns, or production risks to operations leadership.
• Ensure calibration, maintenance, and control of measurement and monitoring equipment used in inspection and quality verification activities.
• Promote company‑wide awareness of quality expectations, customer requirements, safe work practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, safety requirements, environmental standards, and all applicable quality procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of

• AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.8 structural welding codes
• AISC 207‑25 and AISC 420‑10 certification requirements
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
• Current AMPP/NACE coatings inspection standards and practices
• Structural steel fabrication processes and inspection methods
• Bolted joint inspection and compliance requirements
• Drawing, specification, and contract document interpretation
• Material traceability and documentation systems
• Standard welding practices, inspection techniques, and quality procedures

Ability to

• Comprehend and explain new WPS to all team members.
• Demonstrate a good aptitude in math.
• Demonstrate supervisory, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Work independently and in a team.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ten (10) years of combined structural steel fabrication shop and quality control experience required. Experience may be substituted for education.
• Current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
• Inspector trainer preferred.
• AMPP/NACE coatings certification preferred.
• Experience managing AISC and ISO certification programs preferred.
• Knowledge of ASME codes and standards preferred.