Plant Quality Manager

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 [email removed]