Quality Manager

Rock West Composites•San Diego, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Quality Manager. Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures. This position is located in our San Diego, CA office and reports to the Enterprise Quality Manager. Position Summary: The Quality Manager serves as the site leader and technical authority for the Quality Management System (QMS) within an aerospace and defense composite manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP (Composites and NDT), and customer-specific requirements while leading quality assurance, quality engineering, and inspection functions. The role drives operational excellence by preventing product escapes, strengthening process capability, improving supplier quality, and developing a high-performing quality organization that supports safe, reliable products, processes, and services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
7+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing quality roles.
5+ years of management or leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated expertise with AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
Experience managing NADCAP accredited processes, particularly Composites Manufacturing and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes including autoclave curing, RTM, layup, and bonded assemblies.
Experience with inspection systems, metrology, NDT methods, and statistical process control.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Eligible candidates must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Be a team player with a can-do attitude: hungry, humble, and people smart.
Collaborates with external and internal customers, including Operations, Program Management, Product Development, Engineering, and Sales staff to meet customer requirements, ensure compliance, and continue smooth flow of quality products.
Works independently, follows instructions, can concentrate for long periods of time and is able to tolerate multiple interruptions throughout the day.
Organized, self-motivated, strong attention to detail, and high level of accuracy.
Self-starter with excellent time management skills and ability to establish objectives and specify the strategies and actions to achieve these objectives.
Capable of working in an environment in which demands and priorities change.

Nice To Haves

Experience with contact and noncontact inspection methods. CMM operating proficiency is a big plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and maintain the site Quality Management System ensuring compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP Composites, NADCAP NDT, and customer requirements.
Provide leadership and development for Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Inspection, and NDT personnel, including staffing, training, and performance management.
Establish robust processes to prevent nonconformances and product escapes through risk management, process control, and inspection planning.
Oversee operations, inspection methods, calibration systems, and measurement capability to ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
Lead internal audits, external audits, and certification activities, ensuring effective corrective action and sustained compliance.
Drive root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical methods.
Represent Quality as the primary interface to customers, regulatory bodies, and external auditors during program reviews, audits, First Article Inspections, and qualification activities.
Demonstrate and promote an engaged, energized, and compliant work environment by adhering to Rock West Composites’ quality management system, all AS9100 including ISO 9001 and Nadcap requirements, and all company policies, procedures, and code of business conduct.
Lead Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
Oversee supplier quality performance, including qualification, audits, corrective actions, and risk mitigation.
Ensure quality requirements are properly flowed down in contracts, work instructions, and purchase orders.
Support engineering and operations through design reviews, configuration control, and manufacturing readiness activities.
Develop and track quality performance metrics, reporting trends and improvement plans to executive leadership.