Quality Manager

Kraken Kinetics•Pinehurst, NC

3d•$75,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Manager at Kraken Kinetics is responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in support of advanced defense technology development and manufacturing operations. This role serves as the organization's lead for quality assurance, quality control, compliance, inspection, calibration oversight, supplier quality, and corrective action activities. The Quality Manager will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining applicable quality certifications, leading internal and external quality audits, governing First Article Inspection (FAI/FAIR), Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs, Material Review Boards (MRB), supplier quality oversight, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities. As Kraken Kinetics continues to grow, the Quality Manager will build and lead the quality organization. During the initial growth phase, this individual will personally execute many of the inspection, compliance, calibration, audit, and corrective action functions that will later transition to dedicated quality personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Technology, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered
5+ years of quality management, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality experience
Experience implementing and maintaining formal quality management systems
Experience leading audits, corrective action programs, and quality investigations
Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI), Material Review Boards (MRB), and supplier quality management
Working knowledge of inspection methods, calibration systems, and technical documentation control
Strong technical writing, problem-solving, and organizational skills
US Citizen

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar certification
ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification
Experience supporting DoD programs or defense contractors
Experience with AS9100, AS9102, NAS 410, and NDT programs
Experience supporting low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environments
Familiarity with ITAR-controlled operations and defense industry compliance requirements

Responsibilities

Establish, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Kraken Kinetics Quality Management System (QMS)
Develop and maintain quality policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, and quality records
Lead efforts to obtain and maintain applicable quality certifications and registrations
Plan, conduct, and manage internal audits and support customer and third-party audits
Conduct management reviews and maintain quality performance metrics
Govern First Article Inspection (FAI/FAIR) activities and acceptance processes
Establish incoming, in-process, and final inspection requirements
Develop inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and sampling methodologies
Oversee and administer Nondestructive Testing (NDT) programs
Review and approve inspection records and product acceptance documentation
Chair Material Review Boards (MRB) and disposition nonconforming material
Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities
Conduct root cause investigations and corrective action implementation
Manage supplier quality requirements, evaluations, audits, and corrective actions
Monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Support customer complaint investigations and resolution activities
Maintain oversight of calibration and metrology systems for measurement and test equipment
Support management of export-controlled quality records and compliance documentation
Maintain quality-related registrations, certifications, and regulatory records
Ensure quality records are maintained in accordance with company and customer requirements
Build and develop the Kraken Kinetics quality organization
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of quality personnel
Initially perform the duties of Quality Inspector and Compliance & Calibration Manager until those positions are established and staffed
Execute inspection, audit, calibration oversight, compliance administration, and corrective action activities as required during the growth phase of the organization
Provide quality training and guidance across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Programs