Position Title :
Assistant Manager – Quality for Manufacturing (Production and Testing)
Position Overview:
The Assistant Manager – Quality for Manufacturing, Test & Screening will play a critical role in overseeing manufacturing operations, test execution, and quality control for specialized products related to Defense and Space Projects. This position is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of manufacturing and testing meet rigorous industry standards, including aerospace, defense, and space exploration requirements. The role will also include managing teams, coordinating between departments, and executing complex quality assurance (QA) & quality control (QC) protocols for high-precision components, assembly/production of sub-systems/systems
Key Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Operations:
- Process Management :
- · Lead the production of components and sub-systems/systems related to defense and space projects, ensuring that all operations adhere to high-quality standards.
- · Coordinate and monitor the manufacturing workflow to ensure efficient and timely production within tight deadlines.
- · Supervise the production set-up, operation, and optimization of specialized equipment for defense and space manufacturing, including precision machinery and automated systems used in production & testing.
- Team Management :
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- Supervise, train, and mentor/coach the team of technicians and operators to maintain high levels of quality, productivity and skill development.
- Schedule shift work and ensure proper allocation of resources to meet production & quality targets.
- Quality Control :
- Ensure adherence to manufacturing quality standards through regular inspections and audits.
- Implement corrective actions when deviations or defects are found.
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance (QA) team to ensure that products meet internal and external quality standards.
- Safety & Compliance :
- Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring all safety protocols are followed.
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and internal standards, such as ISO9001, AS9001, ISO14001….
- Continuous Improvement :
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to drive operational efficiency (Execution Excellence) and reduce/eliminate waste.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to optimize manufacturing processes.
Test & Screening Operations:
- Test Protocol Development:
- Develop, implement, and supervise testing protocols specific to the requirements of defiance and space projects.
- Ensure rigorous testing processes are followed for high-reliability components such as propulsion systems, satellite components, or defense technologies.
- Test Equipment and Instrumentation Management:
- Oversee the calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of test equipment, including vibration testers, thermal chambers, vacuum testing chambers, and other mission-critical testing instruments used in space or defense applications.
- Ensure test equipment meets standards for precision, reliability, and safety in line with industry regulations (e. G., MIL-STD, NASA-STD, ISO 9001).
- Failure Reporting, Analysis & Root Cause Investigation:
- Lead root cause investigations in cases where test failures or quality issues occur, ensuring a systematic approach in identifying and rectifying the problems.
- Ensure that non-conformances are properly documented, analyzed, and corrective actions are implemented to prevent re-occurrence.
Quality Assurance and Control:
- Quality Standards & Compliance:
- Ensure all manufacturing and testing activities meet rigorous quality standards, including compliance with industry certifications such as ISO 9001, AS9100 (aerospace), MIL-STD, and other relevant standards.
- Review and enforce compliance with safety standards (e. G., OSHA, NIST) to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
- Quality Audits & Inspections:
- Perform internal and external quality audits to ensure all products meet required standards for performance, reliability, and durability.
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies, clients, and stakeholders for third-party inspections and certifications related to space or defense project components.
- Documentation & Traceability:
- Ensure that all quality control processes, test results, and manufacturing procedures are documented according to traceability and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the maintenance of detailed records for all test data, non-conformance reports, and corrective actions.
- Supplier Quality Management:
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure that external parts and components meet quality standards, coordinating inspections, audits, and quality assessments as necessary.
- Conduct supplier evaluations and support the resolution of any quality issues.
Project Management & Team Leadership:
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with engineering, design, R&D, and procurement teams to ensure alignment of manufacturing and testing activities with the project’s goals and timeline.
- Coordinate with program managers and senior leadership to ensure that projects are progressing according to schedule, on budget, and meeting all quality objectives.
- Team Supervision & Development:
- Supervise a team of manufacturing technicians, engineers, and quality professionals, ensuring they are adequately trained, resourced, and motivated to meet project demands.
- Promote a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team. Risk Management & Mitigation:
- Proactively identify potential risks in manufacturing and testing phases for defiance and space projects, providing actionable plans to mitigate these risks.
- Lead the creation of contingency plans for critical project components to ensure on-time delivery and performance.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Education :
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics) or equivalent. - Experience :
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in defense and space related industries working in manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance activities.
- Strong background in quality management for high-reliability systems, with exposure to space, defense, or aerospace projects.
- At least 5 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role within these industries.
- Technical Expertise :
In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes specific to high-tech and mission-critical systems (e. G., aerospace, satellite, propulsion).
Familiarity with key space project standards, such as MIL-STD-810, IPC, MIL-STD-461, ESS Standards.
Experience with precision measurement tools and test systems used in space and defense (e. G., thermal/vibration chambers, pressure vessels, vacuum systems).
- Software Skills :
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point) for reporting and data analysis.
Experience with ERP systems and other relevant manufacturing and quality management software tools.
- Certifications :
Quality certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or similar are preferred.
Specialized certifications in aerospace, defense, or space industries (e. G., MIL-STD, ISO 9001, AS9100) are advantageous.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Industry-Specific Knowledge:
Hands-on experience in manufacturing and/or testing quality of space, Defense, Aerospace sub-systems/systems (e. G., satellites, propulsion systems, space exploration hardware/embedded firmware/software).
- Knowledge on System and Customer Audits in Manufacturing and Testing Quality Roles In manufacturing and quality assurance, system audits and customer audits are integral to ensuring compliance with standards, identifying areas for improvement, and maintaining high levels of product quality. Understanding the difference between these two types of audits and how they apply to manufacturing and test processes, especially in specialized industries like space or defense, is critical for the success of any Assistant Manager overseeing these areas.
- Interaction with DGQA, DGAQA, CQAE, MSQAA, SSQAG, and Other Inspection Agencies in Manufacturing and Quality Assurance In defense, aerospace, and related industries, effective interaction with various inspection agencies and quality assurance authorities is critical to maintaining the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance. Key bodies such as DGQA (Directorate General of Quality Assurance), DGAQA (Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance), CQAE (Centre for Quality Assurance & Enhancement), MSQAA (Mechanical Systems Quality Assurance Agency), SSQAG (Submarine Systems Quality Assurance Group), and other inspection agencies play vital roles in overseeing the quality and safety of products, especially when dealing with complex systems like defense equipment, aerospace systems, and military hardware/software/firmware/embedded systems(embedded hardware/software).