Quality Manager - #1405786

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Quality Manager.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located in our San Diego, CA (92154) location and reports to the President of Aircraft segment.

Position Summary:

The Quality Manager serves as the site champion for the Quality Management System (QMS), responsible for its design, implementation, maintenance, and certification to meet contract and industry standards. This role leads the Quality Engineering and Quality Assurance teams (including NDT) with a primary focus on minimizing the risk of defective product escapement and reducing non-conformances through continuous process improvement. The Quality Manager also oversees inspection planning, internal audits, corrective actions, customer compliance, and supplier quality performance.

Essential Functions:

• Own and manage the company QMS, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP (Composites and NDT), and customer requirements.
• Lead, develop, and support the QA and QE teams to meet delivery schedules and quality standards, including identifying staffing, training, and succession planning needs.
• Oversee inspection activities and methods, NDT processes, and calibration systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives; drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Manage non-conformance tracking systems, perform data analysis, and report quality metrics to leadership.
• Lead internal audit programs and ensure timely closure of corrective actions.
• Represent Quality in engineering efforts (PDR, CDR, CCB), supporting concurrent design and manufacturing readiness.
• Serve as the customer-facing quality representative for First Article Inspections, Part Qualifications, STC reviews, and other regulatory engagements.
• Review and approve work instructions and outgoing purchase orders for quality terms and conditions.
• Support supplier qualification, audits, and corrective actions in collaboration with Supply Chain.
• Review and support development of Qualification Test Plans, Inspection Plans, and quality documentation.
• Prepare capital and test equipment forecasts, manage calibration and asset justification (CAR).
• Oversee Material Review Board (MRB) and non-conforming material dispositions.
• Ensure timely and effective communication and response to both internal teams and external customers.
• Contribute to proposal development through quality requirement flowdown, capability assessments, and cost estimating.
  
  
  

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of quality leadership in an aerospace composite fabrication and assembly environment.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience with AS9100 Rev. D, NADCAP (Composites and NDT), and Boeing quality specifications.
• Experience with Digital Product Definition (DPD) processes and tools (e.g., FARO, Romer arms).
• Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies (Black Belt certification a plus).
• Working knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems; strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage change, and build effective stakeholder relationships.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus, but not required.
  
  
  

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement
  
  
  

Compensation:

The compensation range for this position falls within $115,000 and $140,000. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement. As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug test.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.