Quality Assurance Manager Location: Ballard WA Start Date: ASAP Duration: Temp to Hire, with Potential for Direct Hire Pay Rate: $36–$41 per hour Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead and oversee the quality program from production through final inspection. This position will manage a dedicated QA team and work closely with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, suppliers, and customers to ensure products consistently meet industry requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards. The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader with strong manufacturing experience, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality Assurance team.
- Maintain, improve, and ensure compliance with quality management systems, procedures, and documentation.
- Establish and oversee inspection, testing, and auditing processes to ensure consistent product quality.
- Analyze quality data, metrics, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Investigate nonconformances, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and customer requirements.
- Partner with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, and suppliers to resolve quality concerns and improve overall performance.
- Review engineering drawings, technical documentation, and customer specifications to verify compliance throughout the manufacturing process.
- Develop quality reports, metrics, and documentation to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide training, coaching, and guidance on quality standards, procedures, and best practices throughout the organization.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years of leadership experience in Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams while effectively managing multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Knowledge of quality management systems, inspection methods, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
- Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments and customer compliance requirements.
- Experience in metal manufacturing, finishing, or precision components is highly preferred.
- Working knowledge of aerospace quality standards and FAA-regulated environments is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Why Consider This Opportunity? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional to take a leadership role in a manufacturing environment, make a measurable impact on quality performance, and work collaboratively across multiple functions.