Cadrex - Quality Manager

QUALITY MANAGER (AEROSPACE / CNC MACHINING)

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead our quality operations and continuous improvement initiatives at our Aerospace & Defense CNC machining operations in Chaska, MN. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, you will serve as a strategic partner in driving operational excellence, lean transformation, and digital modernization. You will own the AS9100 Certified QMS and will ensure adherence to rigorous Aerospace & Defense requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Collaborate daily with Plant Manager to align quality metrics with production goals
• Provide peer mentorship and guidance to functional managers to elevate the team’s regulatory and technical skills, leadership capabilities, and operational efficiency
• Develop, mentor, coach, and upskill the Quality Engineering and Quality Inspection teams

QMS & Compliance Management

• Maintain, audit, and continuously improve the AS9100 certified Quality Management System
• Support Corporate IT Security & Compliance teams in sustaining plant level ITAR and CMMC compliance programs
• Partner with Corporate Quality to transition legacy digital QMS to ETQ Reliance platform, manage/report on Quality KPIs, and roll out harmonized best practices across the A&D BU

Operational Quality & Inspection Leadership

• Lead the Quality Engineering and CMM team in their management of AS9102 FAIR’s, the MSA program (with focus on GR&R), FMEA’s, and developing processes around zero-defect mindset
• Direct the Quality Inspection team to ensure daily throughput meets agreed-upon targets
• Chair the Material Review Board to expedite nonconformance disposition and track/trend systemic issues requiring more in-depth investigation
• Facilitate Structured Problem-Solving (SPS) projects using 8D and similar SPS tools
• Evaluate and develop improved techniques for the control of quality and reliability?
• Identify critical control points in the product value-stream and implement monitoring procedures
• Act as liaison with customers and other external parties on matters relating to product quality
• Partner with Engineering and Production functions for all NPI and engineering changes to verify quality documentation and processes are correct
• Partner with the functional management team in driving a Continuous Improvement culture, using lean manufacturing methodologies and agile problem-solving practices

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 8–10 years of Aerospace Quality Management experience, with a high preference given to experience in a metal manufacturing environment working directly with key AS Primes
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations or a related technical field (highly preferred)
• ASQ CQM/OE, CQE, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and/or Certified AS9100 Lead Auditor (preferred)
• Advanced skills in blueprint reading, GD&T, statistical methodologies, and MSA methods?
• Ability to effectively interact with Production, Engineering and Operations teams
• Due to ITAR compliance requirements, US Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required