Quality Assurance Manager in Portland, Connecticut at Birdon America, Inc.

Roles and Responsibilities: Quality System Leadership

• Maintain and improve the organization's AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance with customer, contractual, regulatory, and internal quality requirements.
• Lead management review activities and monitor QMS effectiveness through key performance indicators.
• Develop, review, and approve quality procedures, work instructions, and related documentation.
• Serve as the primary quality representative during customer, regulatory, and certification audits.

Inspection and Product Quality Oversight

• Provide technical oversight and support to QA Inspectors I-IV.
• Establish and maintain inspection standards and acceptance criteria.
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, welding requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAI), inspection reports, quality records, and nonconformance documentation.
• Support production and engineering teams in resolving quality-related issues.

Corrective and Preventive Action Management

• Lead investigations of internal and external quality issues.
• Facilitate root cause analysis activities utilizing methodologies such as:
  • 5 Why
  • CAPA
• Verify effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive systemic improvements that reduce defects and improve process capability.

Supplier Quality Management

• Monitor supplier quality performance and evaluate supplier capability.
• Coordinate supplier audits and supplier corrective action requests.
• Partner with purchasing and engineering to ensure incoming materials and services meet specified requirements.
• Support supplier qualification and development activities.

Audit Management

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct internal audits.
• Support external certification, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Manage audit findings and ensure timely closure of corrective actions.
• Track and report audit performance metrics.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyse quality trends and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality performance.
• Participate in risk assessments and process improvement projects.
• Utilize quality metrics to support data-driven decision-making.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring for QA Inspectors I-IV.

• Assist in training and development of inspection personnel.
• Support performance evaluations and competency development programs.
• Promote quality awareness throughout all levels of the organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and customer focus.

Reporting and Communication

• Develop and communicate key performance indicators to management.
• Present quality trends, audit results, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives.
• Interface directly with customers regarding quality concerns and resolution activities.
• Support contract reviews and program quality planning activities.

Qualifications and experience:

Required

• Minimum 7 years of quality experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, welding, or assembly environments.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a senior quality, lead inspector, or quality leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • ISO 9001 & or AS9100
  • Blueprint interpretation
  • Weld inspection and non-destructive testing methods
  • Root cause analysis methodologies
  • Corrective Preventive Action systems
• Experience conducting internal and external audits.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• AS9100 Internal Auditor Certification
• AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification
• Lean Six Sigma training
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related field

• Manufacturing and production environment with exposure to machinery, noise, welding operations, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Periodic travel for supplier audits, customer meetings, and certification audits.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) in production areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and greater amounts with assistance as required.

Birdon offers a full benefits package including:

Health/Dental/Vision

EAP/Life

STD/LTD

401(k) with company match (pre- and post-tax options)

Vacation/Sick accrual and holiday pay

Tuition reimbursement program

Employee referral program

Pet Insurance

Birdon is committed to the HEALTH and SAFETY of our workforce and to the ENVIRONMENT we expect this same commitment from all employees.

As a Federal Contractor, Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background and drug screening, conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Birdon America Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Know Your Rights. The Company invites any applicant and/or employee to review the Company’s written Affirmative Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing hr@birdon.us. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact hr@birdon.us for further assistance.