Quality Manager
Our client is a long-established, privately held U.S. manufacturer known globally for engineering precision, innovation, and product reliability. With a 40+ year history, the company serves customers in highly regulated sectors including defense, government, and international markets.
Position Summary
The Quality Manager will oversee all aspects of quality assurance and compliance across manufacturing operations. This leader will drive strategic quality initiatives, ensure regulatory and customer standards are met, and mentor a dedicated team of quality professionals. The role will be a key part of the plant leadership team, partnering with engineering, operations, and product development to deliver consistent quality and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Quality team, including Quality Engineers, Technicians, and Inspectors.
- Develop and maintain quality systems to meet ISO and customer-specific requirements.
- Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve complex product and process issues.
- Oversee audits (internal, customer, and regulatory) and ensure corrective/preventive actions are effective.
- Implement statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and Lean/Kaizen practices.
- Drive training, standard work, and culture-building initiatives to embed quality ownership at all levels.
- Collaborate with leadership on new product development, ensuring quality is built into design and production processes.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
- 7+ years of progressive quality experience within a machining, metal fabrication, or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 (AS9100 or ITAR experience preferred).
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop teams.
- Experience with advanced quality tools (FMEA, PPAP, GD&T, Six Sigma, etc.).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with both shop floor and executive leadership.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.