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