Director of Quality

Swagelok Northern California•Fremont, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Quality (DOQ) sets the strategic direction for and leads the daily operation of the organization’s quality management system within the ISO and Swagelok Quality System framework. In collaboration with process owners and executive leadership, the DOQ measures quality performance, owns the Quality department’s budget and strategic plan, and ensures corrective and preventive actions address issues affecting quality objectives. The role oversees Quality Control Technicians, leads Quality associates, and represents the Quality function on the Operational Leadership team. The DOQ leads quality assurance and continuous improvement activities, including quality data analysis, First Article Inspection Reports, drawing and production-document reviews, supplier quality processes, root cause analysis, corrective action reporting, and technical support for customers and suppliers. The position also develops and implements company-wide quality strategy, systems, policies, and practices; reports performance and risks to executive leadership and the CEO; and embeds quality principles across the organization. This is an on-site position at the Fremont office, Monday through Friday. The role includes occasional overnight travel to supplier, customer, and Swagelok facilities for audits, quality reviews, and corporate meetings. Regular work takes place on the production floor and in inspection and warehouse areas, with close visual review of parts, blueprints, engineering drawings, and documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
At least 8 years of progressive Quality experience in a manufacturing environment with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or at least 5 years with a master’s degree in a related discipline.
At least 3 years of Quality experience in a leadership or management role.
Ability to apply quality assurance tools and techniques.
Ability to maintain effective document control practices consistent with ISO requirements.
Ability to follow established procedures rigorously and model procedural discipline.
Ability to develop strategic plans and manage a department budget.
Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and lead cross-functional initiatives.
Ability to apply statistical analysis to identify trends and guide continuous improvement.
Ability to read, interpret, and critique mechanical drawings.
Ability to meet company vision standards following a conditional offer of employment.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs and handle parts and inspection tools.
Ability to distinguish colors while closely reviewing parts, blueprints, engineering drawings, and documentation.
Ability to work on site at the Fremont office Monday through Friday and in production, inspection, and warehouse areas.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methods.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Quality-related discipline.
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) certification.

Responsibilities

Set the strategic direction for and lead daily operation of the quality management system within the ISO and Swagelok Quality System framework.
Proactively measure quality performance and ensure corrective and preventive actions address issues affecting quality objectives.
Own the Quality department’s annual strategy, roadmap, budget, and alignment with company goals.
Oversee Quality Control Technicians and lead, prioritize, coach, and guide Quality associates.
Prevent nonconforming product from reaching customers through proactive engagement with production associates.
Analyze quality data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Manage First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
Review internal and external engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, and Production Routings for accuracy and completeness.
Maintain productive communication with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to address quality concerns and improvement opportunities.
Prepare and lead Quality meetings and provide daily status updates on Quality actions to Production Control and Operations.
Manage supplier Returned Material Authorization (RMA) and NCMR processes.
Lead continuous improvement within the Quality function and support cross-functional improvement efforts.
Perform root cause analysis, resolve quality problems, and manage corrective action reporting.
Verify supplier-submitted documents meet customer requirements.
Write process descriptions and assembly and manufacturing instructions as needed.
Train Quality department associates on quality assurance processes and procedures.
Collaborate with Supply Chain to manage and improve supplier performance.
Provide technical support to customers and suppliers on quality-related matters.
Lead special projects and perform other duties that support Quality objectives.
Standardize Quality systems, policies, and best practices across sites and functions.
Report Quality performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership and the CEO.
Represent Quality in strategic planning, major customer and supplier negotiations, and cross-functional executive initiatives.
Benchmark Quality performance against industry standards and lead long-term continuous improvement initiatives.
Embed quality principles in decision-making, training, and daily operations across the organization.
Interview, hire, onboard, train, lead, coach, and mentor associates; support their technical capability, professional growth, and career development.
Maintain professional associate relationships, communicate consistently, apply company policies fairly, and resolve conflicts or concerns through appropriate channels.
Oversee efficient daily department operations and align the department budget, supplier quality management, inspection resources, and operational execution.
Conduct regular performance conversations, establish expectations, monitor performance, provide feedback and coaching, and maintain documentation of performance or behavioral concerns.
Support associate development through formal training, on-the-job learning, rotational assignments, and continuous development opportunities.
Escalate performance concerns to the next-level supervisor and HR when improvement is not occurring within required timelines.
Administer associate operations, including workstation readiness, payroll coordination, vacation planning, training compliance, safety practices, and operational process control.
Participate in the leadership development program and model the leadership behaviors described in the posting.
Travel occasionally, including overnight stays, to supplier, customer, and Swagelok facilities for audits, quality reviews, and corporate meetings.