Quality Manager
Sector: Plastics
Function: Operations/Production/Supply Chain
Location: Seattle, USA
Ref: AZ/65146
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Based in:
Seattle, WA, USA
The Company:
Listgrove is supporting its partner in the recruitment of an experienced Quality Manager – Additive Manufacturing to lead and own the quality management system (QMS) across all AM processes — including Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
This is more than a compliance role. As the cornerstone of the AM quality function, you will
• Maintain AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications
• Drive continuous improvement
• Ensure every flight-critical and safety-critical component meets the highest standards of dimensional accuracy, material integrity, with full traceability from powder to part.
You will own QMS governance, personally lead internal audit programs, and serve as the primary point of contact for customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and engineering teams.
The Role:
As Quality Manager for Additive Manufacturing, you will directly impact customer trust, regulatory compliance, and our ability to scale globally.
• Own and continuously improve our AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 QMS
• Ensure flight-critical and safety-critical AM components meet all customer and regulatory requirements
• Lead the internal audit program and serve as the primary liaison with external registrars
• Direct the Non-Conforming Material (NCM) and CAPA programs with measurable rigor
• Champion a quality-first culture through metrics visibility, Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and team development
Responsibilities:
Process & Machine Qualification:
Establish and enforce process qualification protocols per ASTM F3187, NASA-STD-6030, and applicable customer/NADCAP requirements
Oversee build parameter qualification, machine validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and periodic requalification across all AM platforms
Define and manage material qualification programs for metallic and polymer powder/filament feedstocks
First Article & Production Quality:
Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) activities per AS9102 Rev B
Manage post-processing quality controls including HIP, heat treatment, surface finishing, and NDT (CT scanning, FPI, radiography)
Prepare and review quality plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and Data Packages/Certificates of Conformance
Non-Conformance & Corrective Action:
Direct the Non-Conforming Material (NCM) program, initiate MRB dispositions, and coordinate with engineering
Own the CAPA system, ensuring root cause analysis rigor using 8D, Ishikawa, and 5-Why methodologies with timely closure
Supplier & Customer Quality:
Evaluate incoming materials, lead source inspection activities, and manage Supplier Corrective Action
Requests (SCARs):
Support customer source inspections, DQR visits, and surveillance audits
Maintain Export Control (ITAR/EAR) awareness for all technical data shared with customers and suppliers
Team Leadership & Reporting:
Lead, develop, and mentor the Quality Team — designing and delivering QMS training programs
Track and trend scrap, rework, and field escapes, presenting key metrics to leadership via monthly quality dashboards
The Candidate:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline
7+ years of progressive quality management experience, with at least 3 years in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing
Demonstrated AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 expertise (Lead Auditor certification — CQA or IRCA — strongly preferred)
Proficiency with AS9102 Rev B First Article Inspection and GD&T per ASME Y14.5-2018
Working knowledge of NADCAP accreditation requirements (Heat Treat, NDT, Chemical Processing) applicable to the AM supply chain
Proven track record leading CAPA programs using structured root cause analysis tools (8D, DMAIC, RCCA)
Experience with SPC, MSA, Cpk analysis, and quality data management systems (QMS/ERP/MES)
Familiarity with U.S. export regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applied to aerospace hardware and technical data
Ability to travel up to 10% (supplier audits, customer visits, conferences)
Preferred Qualifications:
Hands-on AM qualification experience (ASTM F3187, AMS7003/7004)
ASQ CQM/OE, CQE, or Six Sigma Black Belt certification
NADCAP Lead Auditor designation
Familiarity with digital thread/Model-Based Definition (MBD) methodologies
Knowledge of FAA/EASA Part 21 PAH requirements
Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is located. Evidence of the right to work may be required during the recruitment process.
For reasons of readability, gender-specific language has been simplified. All references to individuals apply equally to people of all genders.
Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713