Director of Quality

Company OverviewWe are a growing designer and manufacturer of process viscosity and temperature control equipment, serving customers who depend on precision, reliability, and consistency in their critical process applications. As we scale, we are committed to building the quality infrastructure that supports our growth and upholds our reputation for technical excellence. Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Manager to build and lead our Quality Department from the ground up. This is a high-impact role suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic, small-company environment and brings both the strategic mindset to design quality systems and the practical skills to implement them on the shop floor. The Quality Manager will be responsible for establishing Standard Work and inspection processes, driving formal corrective action on an active backlog of quality issues, and managing the ongoing compliance and continuous improvement of our ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Key ResponsibilitiesThe Quality Manager will take full ownership of building a functional Quality Department, which includes defining roles, workflows, and the tools necessary to support both manufacturing and engineering operations. A primary early priority will be developing and deploying Standard Work documentation and a structured Quality Inspection process across our production floor, ensuring that quality is built into our processes rather than inspected in after the fact.A significant portion of this role will involve leading formal problem-solving activities against an existing list of identified quality issues. The Quality Manager will apply structured methodologies — such as 8D, A3, or similar — to drive root cause analysis, implement effective corrective and preventive actions, and verify closure. Building a culture of disciplined problem-solving and accountability within the team is essential.The Quality Manager will serve as the primary owner and internal champion of our ISO 9001 Quality Management System. This includes maintaining and improving documentation, leading internal audits, managing customer and third-party audit preparation, tracking nonconformances, and ensuring the system evolves in alignment with our business growth. The expectation is not simply to maintain compliance, but to leverage the QMS as a genuine business tool that reduces variation, improves customer satisfaction, and supports operational efficiency.This role also involves close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Customer Service to ensure quality considerations are integrated at every stage — from supplier qualification and incoming inspection through final product release. QualificationsThe ideal candidate will bring a minimum of five to seven years of quality engineering or quality management experience in a manufacturing environment, with hands-on exposure to custom or engineered-to-order products being a strong plus. Direct experience with process instrumentation, fluid handling equipment, or industrial manufacturing is highly desirable, given the technical nature of our products.Demonstrated experience owning and managing an ISO 9000 or ISO 9001 QMS is required, including experience leading management reviews and external audits. Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies and quality tools such as FMEA, control plans, SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis techniques is expected. Experience creating Standard Work documentation and implementing inspection systems on a production floor is essential to early success in this role.Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary, as this person will need to effectively translate quality concepts for audiences ranging from shop floor technicians to senior leadership and customers. A self-starter mentality with the ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment is critical. An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline is preferred. ASQ certification (CQE, CQM, or equivalent) is a plus. What We OfferWe offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, a collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing company. This role offers significant autonomy and the rare chance to build a quality function that reflects your expertise and vision, with the full support of company leadership. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.