Quality Control Manager

We’re supporting our client, a leading CNC manufacturer based in Baltimore, Maryland who are looking for a Quality Control Manager to join their growing team. The successful Quality Control Manager will have management experience in a quality assurance/quality control role within a precision manufacturing environment.

As a Quality Control Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring all products meet the highest quality standards, conform to customer specifications, and comply with AS9100 and NADCAP requirements.

• Lead and supervise the inspection team in a fast-paced precision CNC machining environment, managing day-to-day operations including in-process, final, and receiving inspections.
• Oversee and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) for compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP standards, including developing and updating procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new product introductions, engineering changes, and first article inspections (FAI/AS9102).
• Facilitate Material Review Board (MRB) processes, including review and disposition of non-conforming products.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer and regulatory audits, leading preparations, responses, and follow-up actions.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and other problem-solving methodologies to resolve internal, supplier, and customer issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Purchasing to identify critical features, develop inspection methodologies, manage supplier quality, and implement process controls.
• Track, analyze, and improve key quality metrics (e.g., scrap, rework, customer complaints, PPM, on-time delivery) through data-driven reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement and manage Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs to monitor process capability and stability.
• Promote employee engagement through training, development, performance management, and delegation within the quality team.
• Support cross-functional teams in value engineering, risk management (FMEA), and process validation to enhance quality and efficiency.

• 5+ years of management experience in a quality assurance/quality control role within a precision manufacturing environment (CNC machining strongly preferred; aerospace industry experience a plus).
• Experience with troubleshooting and ability to program Zeiss CMM machines is preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements, with experience maintaining QMS compliance and leading audits.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, customer specifications, and Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Hands-on experience with inspection tools and equipment, including CMM (Zeiss preferred), micrometers, comparators, and programming.
• Expertise in quality tools and methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, FMEA, SPC, root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, etc.), and APQP.
• Analytical skills with high attention to detail and proficiency in data analysis Microsoft Excel required. ERP/MRP systems such as Global Shop a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, collaborate cross-functionally, and drive decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a track record of improving quality metrics and managing multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• Certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor a plus.
• Primarily an office/desk-based role, with frequent visits to the shop floor required to oversee inspections, verify processes with operators/programmers.
• Occasional overnight travel required to customers and/or trade shows.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. (parts, fixtures, gauges, or material samples).
• Ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and typical machine shop environments (exposure to noise, coolant mist, and moving machinery).
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes when in production areas