Site Quality Manager (NDT Level 3)

Saronic Technologies; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Time Off

Parental Leave

Competitive Salary

401(k) Plan

Stock Options

Life & Disability Insurance

Pet Insurance

Free lunch & snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies, a leader in autonomy at sea, is seeking a Quality Manager (NDT Level III) to build and lead a site-wide Quality Management System for a new shipbuilding site in the United States. You will define QMS policies, establish inspection plans, and oversee NDT activities to ensure compliance with ASNT/AWS/ASTM standards.

You will develop a high-performing quality team, drive CAPA, audits, and continuous improvement across welding, fabrication, and machining processes, partnering

Qualifications

• NDT Level III certification or equivalent required.
• Experience leading QA/QC in shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of welding, fabrication and inspection techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of a site-wide QMS aligned with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Define quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation systems.
• Establish document control, CAPA, and audit processes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement metrics tracking.
• Build and scale a quality team including inspectors and NDT personnel.
• Define roles, competencies, and provide NDT training pathways.
• Develop inspection plans and CTQ criteria for shipbuilding processes.
• Oversee NDT methods and weld QC (PQRs, WPS, welder qualifications).
• Lead internal and external audits including ISO certification.

Skills

NDT Level III

CWI

Quality Management

ISO standards

Leadership

Tools

NDT equipment

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

Saronic is seeking a highly experienced Quality Manager (NDT Level III) to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) for a new shipbuilding site. This individual will play a critical role in establishing quality standards, inspection frameworks, and process controls across welding, fabrication, and machining operations.

The Quality Manager will be responsible for building and leading the site quality organization while partnering closely with operations, engineering, and production teams to ensure adherence to critical quality requirements. This role requires deep expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT), welding inspection, and ISO-based QMS implementation in a manufacturing or shipbuilding environment.

Responsibilities

• QMS Development and Implementation:

  • Lead the development and deployment of a site-wide Quality Management System from the ground up, aligned with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001).

  • Define quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation systems.

  • Establish document control, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), and audit processes.

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and quality metrics tracking

  Quality Team Development:

  • Build and scale a high-performing quality team, including inspectors, NDT technicians, and quality engineers.

  • Define roles, responsibilities, and competency requirements for all quality personnel.

  • Develop training programs and certification pathways for NDT and inspection staff.

  • Mentor and coach team members to ensure technical excellence and career growth

  Inspection & Process Control (Shipbuilding):

  • Establish inspection plans and hold points for shipbuilding processes, including welding, fabrication, and machining.

  • Define critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and acceptance criteria.

  • Develop and implement inspection and test plans (ITPs) for hull structures, weldments, and machined components.

  • Ensure proper application of NDT methods (UT, RT, MT, PT, etc.) in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

  • Oversee weld quality control, including procedure qualification records (PQRs), welding procedure specifications (WPS), and welder qualifications.

  Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Partner with operations, manufacturing, and engineering teams to integrate quality into production processes.

  • Identify resource needs (personnel, equipment, tools) required to support quality objectives.

  • Support design for manufacturability and quality (DFM/DFQ) initiatives.

  • Participate in production readiness reviews and process validations.

  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances

  NDT Leadership and Compliance:

  • Serve as the site NDT Level III authority, responsible for procedure approval and certification oversight.

  • Develop and maintain NDT procedures in accordance with industry standards (e.g., ASNT, AWS, ASTM).

  • Ensure proper calibration, qualification, and use of NDT equipment.

  • Provide technical guidance and audits of NDT activities.

  Audit & Continuous Improvement:

  • Lead internal and external audits, including ISO certification audits.

  • Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor quality performance.

  • Implement Lean and Six Sigma principles to reduce defects and improve efficiency.

  • Drive a culture of quality and accountability across the organization.

Qualifications

• NDT Level III certification (ASNT or equivalent) required.

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in quality management within shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, or related industries.

• Proven experience developing and implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS), preferably aligned with ISO standards.

• Strong knowledge of welding processes, fabrication, machining, and inspection techniques.

• Experience defining inspection plans, process controls, and critical quality requirements.

• Demonstrated leadership experience building and managing technical teams.

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and root cause analysis skills.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in shipbuilding, maritime, or defense-related manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with naval or marine classification standards (e.g., ABS, DNV).

• Prior experience standing up a new facility or greenfield operation.

Benefits

Medical Insurance:Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance:Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off:Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave:Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary:Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan:401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options:Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance:Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance:Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks:Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.