Quality Manager

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

JOB OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and driven Site Quality Manager to lead all Quality operations at our shipyard facility. This role is responsible for overseeing the implementation and execution of the Quality Management System (QMS) across fabrication, integration, outfitting, testing, and delivery of autonomous surface vessels. The Site Quality Manager ensures that all products and processes meet company, customer, regulatory, and naval standards while fostering a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with deep knowledge of shipbuilding or complex defense manufacturing environments, capable of managing both people and processes to ensure compliance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Oversight:

• Manage all site-based Quality personnel, including Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and NDT technicians.

• Oversee daily Quality operations across fabrication, assembly, electrical integration, outfitting, and test activities.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all site Quality matters—representing the Quality organization in customer reviews, audits, and regulatory inspections.

• Establish and maintain alignment with company-wide Quality objectives, policies, and ISO 9001 standards.

Quality Management System (QMS) Execution:

• Ensure effective implementation of the QMS at the site level, including document control, nonconformance management, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and risk mitigation.

• Support and lead internal and external audits, ensuring timely response and closure of findings.

• Ensure consistent application of inspection and testing procedures throughout production and integration processes.

• Drive adherence to customer, ABS, US Navy, and regulatory quality standards and documentation requirements.

Process Improvement and Performance:

• Analyze quality data and metrics to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for process improvement.

• Lead cross-functional problem-solving teams to eliminate root causes and improve process capability, reliability, and compliance.

• Support production leadership in developing and executing process control plans, quality checks, and key performance metrics.

• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies.

Inspection and Test Oversight:

• Provide technical oversight for inspection and test activities during hull fabrication, systems integration, harbor testing, and sea trials.

• Verify readiness and conformance of systems and vessels before customer acceptance or delivery.

• Ensure traceability, documentation accuracy, and configuration control of inspected and tested systems.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of inspections, test data, nonconformances, and corrective actions.

• Prepare and deliver site quality performance reports and metrics to senior leadership.

• Support management reviews and program status updates with data-driven insights and recommendations.

Training and Culture:

• Mentor and develop Quality team members through ongoing training and coaching.

• Promote a culture of ownership and accountability for quality across all departments.

• Conduct or coordinate training for site personnel on inspection standards, documentation procedures, and quality tools.

• Reinforce safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement principles.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience in shipbuilding or complex manufacturing quality leadership.

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering, with 3–5 years in a management or supervisory role.

• Strong background in shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, or maritime integration environments.

• Experience working with ABS, US Navy, or other maritime and defense quality requirements preferred.

• Demonstrated experience managing QMS implementation and compliance to ISO 9001 or similar standards.

Technical and Leadership Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of fabrication, welding, assembly, and test processes for complex mechanical and electrical systems.

• Proficiency with quality tools and techniques such as FMEA, SPC, root cause analysis, CAPA, and nonconformance management.

• Strong data analysis and reporting skills for monitoring trends and process effectiveness.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.

• Proven ability to build effective relationships with production, engineering, and customer representatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

BENEFITS

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b.

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.