Quality Manager

About Company:

Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. Founded as NTS Technical Systems, our company brings over 60 years of experience and expertise in handling the most complex projects and programs in the world.

From centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover, vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), to environmental simulations for next-generation missiles, we are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation. By advancing our state-of-the-art testing technologies, subject matter expertise, and service to critical missions, Element U.S. Space & Defense has become the go-to partner for ground-breaking industries.

What We Offer:

Growth & Development:

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• The chance to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space and defense.
  
  

Benefits: Employees are eligible to participate in the benefits offered throughout their availability, including the following:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly
• 401k with employer match
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs
• Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position)

About the Role:

The role of Quality Manager (QM) reports directly to the General Manager (GM), with a dotted line to Element US Space & Defenses (EUSSD) Corporate Quality. The QM is an essential member of the management team and is responsible for the overall quality performance of the relevant EUSSD site.

Quality Managers, in partnership with site Operations personnel, will drive a culture of quality assurance and quality improvement and have a sound working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

In this role, QM's will frequently interact with

• Internal and external clients
• Accreditation Bodies
• Site leadership team members by advising their operational colleagues on the importance of quality, accuracy, and integrity; in the provision of the services EUSSD provides.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance and scope extension of site accreditations (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025.), and any other regulatory requirements
• Implement and maintain the QMS, ensuring the necessary controls are in place to govern the inspection and testing undertaken
• Effectively manage the day-to-day implementation of the QMS and support colleagues in its implementation
• Prioritize activities to meet the needs of the business, colleagues and our customers
• Embed and drive a culture of quality assurance and quality improvement in all parts of the laboratory operations
• Ensure the continued fulfillment of customer expectations through the implementation of the QMS
• Ensure that accreditations are maintained and extended, as agreed with operational management and Corporate Quality,
• Manage A2LA and other assessments and visits from customer and other regulatory bodies as required
• Ensure that findings cited during audits are responded to in line with the EUSSD established quality requirements and, in the timeline, and format dictated by the assessment
• Establish and implement appropriate QA/QC programs to reduce the cost of poor quality and improve compliance with regulations and standards, company objectives and customer requirements
• Ensure training is effective and that the Quality System implemented across the facility
• Provide quality training to colleagues during the onboarding process
• Implement technical audits, quality system internal audits, and partner with technical department management colleagues to ensure proficiency testing in line with the established schedule(s) are maintained up to date
• Manage calibration program (where applicable), and ensure the program meets the requirements of the facilities.
• Compile and submit monthly Key performance indicators (KPI) such as First Time Right (FTR), customer feedback/complaints and corrective actions
• Maintain good working relationships with operational colleagues within the locations and with the wider EUSSD quality community

Skills / Qualifications

• Four-year technical degree preferred (or equivalent qualification).
• Minimum experience level of 5 years of work experience in an ISO quality environment.
• Experience with A2LA, ISO 17025, and Quality system rules, regulations, including planning and implementation as applicable
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize activities and manage deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills
• ISO trained auditor
• Experience in participating in quality investigations, undertaking true cause analysis, developing corrective action plans, and ensuring the effectiveness of actions undertaken
• Requirement to keep up to date with changes in the quality landscape and maintain personal professional development
• Ability to identify quality and technical problems and work with colleagues to determine effective and sustainable solutions
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues and work effectively as part of a team
• Proficiency with standard office software, computers, and familiarity with electronic management systems (eQMS)