
Senior Quality Manager - Manufacturing
- Rochester, NY
- $100,000-145,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary quality department, including managers, engineers, inspectors, and auditors.
- Drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of site-wide quality procedures, policies, and standards in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and customer-specific requirements.
- Own the development and maintenance of the site Quality Management System (QMS); ensure systemic adherence across all functions.
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product quality, process compliance, and departmental performance.
- Oversee internal and external audit programs, including AS9100 audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action systems (CAPA), ensuring effective resolution and preventive action.
- Champion a culture of quality and accountability through employee engagement, ongoing training, and development initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional leadership in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support product launches, contract compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Provide strategic direction to improve product reliability, customer satisfaction, and manufacturing process capability.
- Serve as the primary quality liaison for high-value defense and aerospace contracts with government agencies and major OEMs.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical field (Master's preferred).
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive quality experience in aerospace, defense, or space manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing large teams.
- Proven success implementing and enforcing quality procedures and systems at scale in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Deep knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, DFARS, and other defense/aerospace regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading successful quality audits and managing complex customer compliance programs.
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, FAIR (AS9102), PPAP, MSA, and root cause analysis.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a proven ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Belt, or similar professional credentials.
- Experience working directly with government contracts (DoD, NASA) and major aerospace primes.
- Base Salary of $100,000-$145,000 depending on experience
- Strong Bonus - 20%+
- PTO
- 401K Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Relocation Assistance if necessary
- Medical, Dental, Vision