Quality Manager (Stevens Point)

About the Role: We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to establish, lead, and continuously improve the Quality Management System for a growing aerospace propulsion manufacturing operation. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while supporting the development and production of advanced gas turbine propulsion systems for aerospace and defense applications. Initially, this position will serve as a hands-on leader responsible for building the quality organization and implementing scalable quality systems. As manufacturing operations grow, the Quality Manager will develop and lead a team of quality professionals while partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and customers to drive continuous improvement and ensure world-class quality performance. This is an outstanding opportunity for a quality leader with aerospace experience who enjoys building organizations, developing processes, and making a lasting impact in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and maintain an AS9100-compliant Quality Management System (QMS) supporting aerospace propulsion manufacturing. Serve as the quality leader for New Product Introduction (NPI), Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), and Full-Rate Production (FRP).Establish and manage quality processes including nonconforming material control, Material Review Board (MRB), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), and configuration management. Develop and oversee supplier quality programs, Approved Supplier List (ASL) management, supplier audits, and supplier qualification activities. Establish incoming inspection programs utilizing Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) methodologies. Implement and manage AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) processes. Develop calibration, metrology, and measurement system programs to ensure product conformity. Lead Root Cause Analysis, 8D investigations, DFMEA, PFMEA, and structured problem-solving initiatives. Monitor quality metrics including First Pass Yield (FPY), defect rates, supplier performance, process capability, and customer quality performance. Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to improve product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency. Support customer audits, regulatory audits, AS9100 certification activities, and customer quality reviews. Recruit, mentor, and develop Quality Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Quality Inspectors, and Metrology personnel as the organization grows. Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. Develop quality documentation, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and control plans. Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional leadership teams to ensure quality objectives are achieved.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 7 years of quality leadership experience within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. Demonstrated experience implementing or managing AS9100 Quality Management Systems. Experience supporting aerospace manufacturing, precision mechanical assemblies, gas turbine engines, propulsion systems, or similar high-reliability products. Strong knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI), Supplier Quality, Calibration, Metrology, RCCA, CAPA, DFMEA, PFMEA, and SPC.Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and transitioning products into production manufacturing. Proven success improving First Pass Yield (FPY), reducing defects, and implementing robust quality systems. Six Sigma Green Belt required. Black Belt preferred. Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and project management skills. Ability to build high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Required: U.S. Citizenship is required to comply with applicable government regulations and customer requirements associated with aerospace and defense programs.

Desired Qualifications: Experience supporting aerospace propulsion systems, gas turbine engines, or advanced aerospace manufacturing. Experience leading AS9100 certification or recertification efforts. Knowledge of FAA, DoD, or defense quality requirements. Experience with supplier development and component qualification. Lean Manufacturing or Operational Excellence certification. Experience supporting startup manufacturing operations or greenfield facility launches. MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.

Benefits: Performance-based annual bonus opportunity. Equity participation opportunity. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.401(k) retirement plan with company contribution. Paid time off and company holidays. Professional development and leadership growth opportunities. Relocation assistance available for qualified non-local candidates.

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to build the quality foundation for an emerging aerospace propulsion manufacturer. You will play a key leadership role in developing scalable quality systems, building a high-performing quality organization, and partnering directly with Engineering, Operations, suppliers, and customers to support the successful production of advanced aerospace propulsion technologies. If you are passionate about aerospace quality, leadership, and continuous improvement, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.