Plant Quality Manager

Job description

**Job Title:** Plant Quality Manager Machining, Aerospace & Defense **Location:** Bengaluru **Department:** Quality **Reports To:** Quality Head **Job Summary** The Plant Quality Manager is responsible for leading and enhancing all quality systems and processes across the manufacturing plant, ensuring consistent delivery of high-precision, compliant products for Aerospace & Defense applications. This role oversees end-to-end quality including supplier quality, in-process control, and final inspection across machining, special processes, and electro-mechanical assemblies. The position demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of aerospace standards, and a strategic approach to compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement to meet stringent regulatory and customer requirements. **Key Responsibilities** **1. Quality Leadership & Management** - Lead and manage Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) teams across machining and assembly operations. - Develop, implement, and sustain the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with **AS9100**, ISO 9001, and customer-specific aerospace requirements. - Establish plant quality objectives, KPIs, and improvement roadmaps aligned with business and regulatory goals. - Foster a culture of quality, safety, traceability, and zero-defect mindset across all functions. - Act as Management Representative for audits and certification bodies. **2. Product & Process Quality** - Oversee quality across manufacturing operations: - **Machining:** CNC turning, milling, grinding, precision machining of aerospace-grade materials (Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel, etc.) - **Special Processes:** Heat treatment, anodizing, plating, NDT (as applicable) - **Fabrication & Assembly:** Sheet metal, mechanical assembly, and electro-mechanical integration - Ensure implementation of **PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Work Instructions**. - Drive process capability improvements using **SPC, Cp/Cpk studies**, and statistical tools. - Ensure strict adherence to **First Article Inspection (FAI) as per AS9102**. - Lead root cause analysis and corrective action using **8D, 5 Why, DMAIC** methodologies. **3. Supplier Quality & Incoming Inspection** - Manage supplier quality systems and incoming inspection processes. - Qualify and develop suppliers in line with aerospace requirements including **NADCAP (where applicable)**. - Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance, and drive corrective/preventive actions. - Oversee **PPAP / APQP (as applicable)** and supplier approval processes. **4. Customer Quality Management** - Serve as primary interface for customer quality requirements, audits, and approvals. - Lead resolution of customer complaints and non-conformances with timely corrective actions. - Support **New Product Introduction (NPI)** through quality planning, validation, and risk mitigation. - Ensure compliance with customer-specific aerospace and defense standards. **5. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements** - Ensure compliance with: - **AS9100 / ISO 9001** - **AS9102 (FAI requirements)** - **ITAR / EAR (if applicable)** - Customer and regulatory requirements for Aerospace & Defense - Maintain full **traceability, documentation control, and configuration management**. - Ensure calibration systems and **MSA (Measurement System Analysis)** are effective. **6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence** - Lead **Lean Six Sigma** initiatives to improve yield, reduce scrap/rework, and enhance process efficiency. - Utilize data analytics tools to drive decision-making and performance improvements. - Implement best practices in quality engineering and digital quality systems. **Qualifications** **Education** - Bachelors Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field - Masters Degree preferred **Experience** - 1520 years of experience in Quality Management within **Aerospace, Defense, or Precision Machining industry** - Strong expertise in machining processes and aerospace manufacturing standards - Proven experience in handling **AS9100 audits, customer audits, and regulatory compliance** - Experience managing cross-functional teams in high-mix, high-precision environments **Technical Skills** - Strong knowledge of: - **AS9100, AS9102, ISO 9001** - **GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)** - **FMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, 8D** - Familiarity with special processes and aerospace materials - Hands-on experience with inspection tools (CMM, surface testers, gauges) - Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, Power BI) **Soft Skills** - Strong leadership and team management capabilities - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills - Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solving mindset - Ability to work in a highly regulated and compliance-driven environment **Key Success Metrics** - Reduction in customer complaints and escapes - First pass yield (FPY) and process capability improvement - Audit success rate (internal, customer, certification) - Supplier quality performance - On-time closure of corrective actions **Preferred Certifications** - ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) / Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) - Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - Lead Auditor Certification (AS9100) **Note:** Experience in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing environments with strong regulatory exposure is highly preferred. Interested candidates may reach out to **rajashekhara.n@cyientdlm.com**