The Quality Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the full quality assurance and compliance function at DeTray Plating Works. This is not a passive oversight role — we need someone who understands aerospace plating specifications deeply, engages directly with the production floor, catches problems before they reach the customer, and builds and maintains a robust quality management system. The right candidate will be technically fluent in the specifications we process to, confident in their ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and purchase orders, experienced with customer source inspections and corrective action processes, and committed to building a quality culture from the ground up alongside our General Manager and production leadership team. This role has direct impact on customer relationships, regulatory compliance, and the financial performance of the operation. Poor quality costs this business $15,000-$25,000 per month in rework, waste, and rejected lots. The Quality Manager is our primary defense against that cost. Key ResponsibilitiesQuality System Management Own and maintain the facility's quality management system including documented procedures, work instructions, inspection checklists, and process controls Ensure all processing complies with applicable specifications including

QQ-P-416, ASTM

standards, and customer-specific requirements Review all customer purchase orders and engineering drawings prior to processing; identify and resolve specification conflicts, ambiguities, or missing requirements before work begins Maintain and control all quality documentation including certifications, process records, chemical logs, inspection records, and non-conformance reports Manage the calibration program for all measurement and test equipment Maintain awareness of specification revisions and communicate changes to production and management Inspection & Non-Conformance Serve as the final quality authority before parts are released to the customer — certifications do not go out without your review and approval Perform or oversee in-process and final inspections including dimensional, visual, and functional checks Own the non-conformance process end to end: identification, documentation, root cause analysis, corrective action, and verification of effectiveness Lead customer corrective action responses; prepare and submit 8D or equivalent corrective action reports as required Review and disposition customer returns and rejections; communicate findings to production and management with urgency Customer & Regulatory Interface Serve as the primary quality contact for all customer quality inquiries, source inspections, and corrective action requests Support customer audits and any applicable regulatory or certification body audits Maintain awareness of ISO and AS9100 requirements and support the organization's path toward certification as applicable Ensure all waste treatment, environmental, and regulatory compliance documentation is accurate and current in coordination with production Production Floor Engagement Be present on the production floor daily — quality cannot be managed from a desk Work directly with the Production Control Supervisor and line leads to identify and correct process deviations before they result in defective product Participate in new employee orientation and ongoing training related to quality standards, specification requirements, and inspection procedures Champion a culture of first-time quality across all lines — every operator should understand what right looks like and why it matters Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of quality assurance experience in an electroplating or surface finishing environment Demonstrated working knowledge of QQ-P-416 and related cadmium plating specifications Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, purchase order requirements, and military/commercial specifications Experience with non-conformance management, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes Familiarity with inspection techniques and measurement equipment used in plating operations (thickness gauges, visual standards, dimensional tools) Proficiency in performing and interpreting plating bath titrations — including but not limited to zinc, sodium cyanide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, nickel, boric acid, and pH analysis — and the ability to train operators on proper titration procedures and bath maintenance Experience interfacing directly with aerospace or defense customers on quality matters Strong documentation discipline — accurate, complete, and timely records are non-negotiable in this environment Ability to communicate quality requirements clearly to production personnel at all experience levels Self-directed and proactive — identifies problems and drives solutions without waiting to be asked Preferred Qualifications Experience with ISO and AS9100 accreditation or quality systems audits Familiarity with Zinc and Nickel plating processes and specifications in addition to Cadmium ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent certification Experience building or rebuilding a quality management system from the ground up Prior experience in a small-to-mid-size job shop environment where flexibility and hands-on engagement are essential

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Prior experience in a small-to-mid-size job shop environment where flexibility and hands-on engagement are essential Demonstrated working knowledge of QQ-P-416 and related cadmium plating specifications

Experience:

Quality assurance in electroplating/surface finishing: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person