Quality Program Manager I

Leading compliance initiatives across manufacturing and quality, this role combines hands-on inspection, program management, and personnel certification oversight. This role requires a certified welding inspector with deep knowledge of inspection standards and hands-on NDE techniques, combined with the ability to manage and host audits for regulatory bodies, customers, and certification agencies. This role is responsible for evaluating and assessing programs' adherence to internal quality systems while maintaining compliance with national and international welding and quality standards, providing feedback for improvement and guiding the implementation of change. This role reports directly to the Director, Quality Assurance.

1. Works independently and collaboratively, demonstrating leadership in all aspects of Quality.
2. Serves as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
3. Performs, supervises, and trains on visual weld inspections, ensuring conformance to codes, drawings, and GD&T specifications.
4. Conducts or oversees non-destructive examinations (NDE).
5. Serves as Level III NDE.
6. Develops and implements NDE procedures per ASNT SNT-TC-1A and customer specs.
7. Trains, qualifies, and oversees welders and NDE technicians under internal certification programs.
8. Certifies and mentors NDE technicians to Level I and II under company-approved written practices.
9. Leads audit readiness programs across departments and projects to ensure consistent compliance.
10. Hosts external audits from customers, regulatory bodies, and certification agencies (e.g., PED, ATEX, AS9100, ISO).
11. Manages audit schedules, leads audit teams, collects objective evidence, and ensures timely closure of findings.
12. Drives CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) programs and participates in root cause analyses.
13. Maintains and updates controlled documentation related to audits, welding procedures, and inspection plans.
14. Supports continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across welding, inspection, and quality systems.
15. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational seminars and workshops, reviewing professional publications and participating in professional societies.
16. Maintains the confidentiality of all information processed.

Subject Matter Expert. Weld Inspection. Nondestructive Examination. Auditing. Program Management. Project Management. Leadership. Business Acumen. Risk Management. Change Management. Critical Thinking. Data Analysis. Presentation. Problem Solving. Decision Making. Relationship Building. Collaboration. Customer Focus. Emotional Intelligence. Time Management.

Work will be performed in an office environment or an industrial setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, hear, see, sit, and use hands. Some travel domestically and internationally as required.

REQUIRED: Bachelor's of Science degree in a related discipline or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree. Certified Weld Inspector, SNT-TC-1A NDE Level III. Three or more years of experience in managing complex, large-scale projects and programs. Knowledge of organizational structure, culture, and industry practices.

PREFERRED: Lean Six Sigma. AS9100 experience.