Sr. Manager, Operations Quality

stratasys•Hopkins, MN

About The Position

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing! Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care. The Sr. Manager, Operations Quality leads quality assurance, manufacturing quality, and operational excellence across Stratasys’ technology platform. This role ensures product quality and compliance while driving continuous improvement to boost efficiency and reduce waste. It also plays a key leadership role in promoting a culture of quality, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

Requirements

Four year degree in engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality or related field
Product and process quality improvement experience via PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), Design and Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA, PFMEA), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Control Plans, Statistical Process Control (SPC), etc.
Intermediate knowledge and experience with Six-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing concepts
Proficient knowledge of Quality Management Control Systems and report analytics
Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office suite applications and tools
10+ years of experience in quality operations, with a strong background in manufacturing and operational leadership
Strong analytical, communication and project management skills

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing experience in an extrusion or assembly environment
Has intermediate experience with leading transformational change
Six-Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
Experience with application of Industry 4.0 technologies to advance quality performance

Responsibilities

Oversee quality operations for manufacturing lines, including manufacturing quality, supplier quality, and field performance
Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure robust process controls, in-line quality checks, and defect prevention strategies
Defines, specifies and drives the implementation of standards, methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision, accuracy and reliability of company products and materials sufficient to support end use manufacturing customer standards and expectations.
Lead supplier quality programs including audits, qualification, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure incoming materials meet specifications
Manage nonconformance investigations and ensure timely implementation of containment, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Ensure compliance with existing Stratasys QMS certifications and other applicable standards through internal, supply chain and external audits and document control
Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and quality sign-off for all [technology] products prior to release
Support, monitor, and respond to field quality issues and customer complaints, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure rapid resolution and customer satisfaction
Align quality objectives with operational KPIs such as throughput, OEE, and cost of poor quality
Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to optimize production processes and reduce variability
Participate in production planning, resource allocation, and operational reviews to ensure quality is embedded in daily operations
Drive cross-functional initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product reliability
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality engineers, technicians, and specialists across multiple sites
Set clear goals, provide regular performance feedback, and support career development for team members
Allocate resources effectively to meet project timelines, production schedules, and quality objectives
Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment aligned with Stratasys’ values and strategic goals
Represent the Quality function in cross-functional leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions
Performance proficiency assessment of current organization vs. benchmarks for end use manufacturing and establish a proficiency improvement plan
Provide work directions to the organization, communicate company expectation metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), and manage performance and improvement activities
Develop and manage department budget
Set cross-functional standards to ensure that the company’s internal and external customers are satisfied
Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions using the 8D methodology and tools like FMEA, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams to drive effective corrective and preventive action activities between operations, engineering, and supply chain for product and processes
Lead lean, six sigma, and kaizen initiatives to improve process capabilities and reduce defects
Use data analytics and quality metrics (e.g., yield, scrap, rework, customer complaints) to identify trends and improvement opportunities
Work closely with R&D, Operations, and Customer Support to embed quality into new product introductions and process changes
Promote a culture of continuous improvement through training, coaching, and engagement at all levels of the organization.
Support the implementation of digital quality tools and data-driven decision-making across various technology platforms value streams
Follow all company safety policies and procedures
Attend all required company training
Demonstrate commitments to Stratasys Behaviors by leading, acting, and modeling these values
Other Responsibilities as assigned by the department or manager