Quality Engineering Assurance Manager in Hayward, California at Therm-x of California

Therm-x of California is the leading manufacturer for Advanced Temperature and Control Systems for Hi-Technology industries. We have been in business for over 30 years and have a diverse customer base. We offer competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Quality Engineering / Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and managing the overall Quality Engineering and Quality Assurance functions supporting Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, New Product Introduction (NPI) Quality, and Customer Quality.

This position provides leadership for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensures products and manufacturing processes consistently meet customer, regulatory, industry, and internal requirements.

The manager will lead Quality Engineers, inspectors and/or other quality personnel while partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Project Management, Business Development, Customer Service, and Executive Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate company and customer quality objectives into measurable departmental goals, KPIs, and improvement priorities.
• Standardize quality systems, procedures, metrics, and best practices across Therm-x facilities to enable consistent implementation and knowledge sharing.
• Establish risk-based thinking across Quality and Operations to proactively identify, mitigate, and prevent product and process risks.
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership and facilities on quality performance, key risks, and strategy execution.
• Ensure Quality and Manufacturing systems comply with customer, regulatory, and ISO 9001 requirements, and maintain related policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, and records.
• Develop risk-based annual audit plans and ensure findings are effectively corrected and closed.
• Prepare and present Management Review inputs, including customer complaints, supplier performance, nonconformance trends, CAPA status, risks, and quality objectives.
• Build strong relationships with customer and supplier Quality organizations and serve as the key escalation point for significant quality issues.
• Drive structured problem-solving (8D, RCCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, DMAIC, statistical analysis), including escape-point analysis to ensure effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate supplier capability to meet drawing, specification, cleanliness, special process, and customer-specific requirements.
• Establish and monitor supplier quality KPIs (Supplier PPM, SCAR performance, corrective action closure, repeat defects, audit findings) and lead supplier corrective actions.
• Implement risk-based dock-to-stock or reduced-inspection programs for proven suppliers, and evaluate supplier changes for quality impact and customer notification needs.
• Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet drawings, specifications, work instructions, travelers, Control Plans, and customer requirements, including Quality review and approval of travelers.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to improve process quality and capability through PFMEA, statistical process control, and error-proofing.
• Monitor FPY, OY, QPPM, defect Pareto, and recurring defect trends, and move quality controls upstream from defect detection toward prevention.
• Ensure nonconforming material is identified, segregated, documented, and dispositioned; lead MRB activities and monitor MRB aging.
• Develop NPI Quality Plans, ensure Control Plans address PFMEA risks, and incorporate lessons learned from prior products, customers, and suppliers.
• Participate in ECO reviews and assess the Quality impact of proposed design, process, material, and supplier changes.
• Lead or oversee Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including Gage R&R, to ensure measurement methods are capable and repeatable.
• Lead, coach, and mentor Quality team members; set objectives, metrics, development and succession plans; conduct performance reviews; and promote a strong quality culture.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of engineering or manufacturing quality experience with at least 4 years within the Semiconductor industry.
• 2+ years of quality leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel internationally to manage supplier and customer relations. US, Mexico, Asia
• Strong knowledge of FMEA, 8D, RCCA, QPPM, quality planning, statistical tools, ISO 9001-based Quality Management Systems, Gage R&R and ECO/change management
• Experience with machining, welding, sheet metal, inspection planning, measurement systems, mechanical drawings, and GD&T.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Multi-site or global quality leadership experience preferred.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification preferred.