Director of Quality

Department: Quality

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Swagelok Northern California

Reporting To: President & CEO

Compensation: $196,378 - $294,567 / year

Description

Key Responsibilities

• 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 ongoing communication and productive working relationships with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations so that quality concerns and improvement opportunities are addressed promptly.
• Prepare and lead Quality meetings, and provide daily status updates on Quality actions to Production Control and Operations.
• Manage the supplier Returned Material Authorization (RMA) and NCMR processes.
• Lead continuous improvement activities within the Quality function and support cross-functional improvement efforts.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA), resolve quality problems, and manage corrective action reporting.
• Manage Quality Control Technicians, providing on-the-floor guidance, direction, and work prioritization.
• Verify that supplier-submitted documents meet customer requirements.
• Write process descriptions and assembly and manufacturing instructions as needed.
• Train associates within the Quality department on Quality Assurance processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to manage and improve supplier performance.
• Provide technical support to customers and suppliers on quality-related matters.
• Lead special projects and perform other duties as assigned to support Quality objectives.

• Develop and own the annual Quality strategy, roadmap, and department budget in alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Standardize Quality systems, policies, and best practices across all sites and functions.
• Report Quality performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership and the CEO.
• Represent the Quality function 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.
• Lead a company-wide quality culture by embedding quality principles into decision-making, training, and daily operations across all departments and levels of the organization.

• Interview, hire, onboard, and train new associates.
• Lead, coach, and mentor associates to build technical capability, professional growth, and career development.
• Maintain strong, professional relationships with associates through consistent communication, trust, and responsiveness, recognizing that the manager-associate relationship is the foundation of team engagement and performance.
• Maintain consistent leadership practices and fair application of company policies and procedures.
• Translate company goals, expectations, and communications so associates clearly understand and align with them.
• Resolve conflicts and associate concerns using appropriate communication and escalation channels.

• Oversee the efficient and effective daily operations of the department.
• Ensure alignment between the Quality department budget, supplier quality management, inspection resources, and operational execution.

• Conduct regular performance conversations with associates, including review of department goals, key metrics, and individualized training plans aligned with position requirements.
• Promote associate development by supporting technical, interpersonal, and educational growth through formal training, on-the-job learning, rotational assignments, and continuous development opportunities.
• Establish performance expectations and monitor associate performance through regular feedback, coaching, and documented performance conversations.
• Escalate performance concerns to the next-level supervisor and HR when improvement is not occurring within required timelines.
• Maintain clear written documentation of performance and behavioral concerns to ensure fair and transparent supervision.

• Administer associate operations, including workstation readiness, payroll coordination, vacation planning, training compliance, safety practices, and operational process control.

• Hold Crucial Conversations – Engage in effective dialogue when there are opposing opinions, high stakes, and strong emotions
• Apply Financial Fluency – Continuously seek out ways to increase the gross margin per invoice and reduce the cost to serve.
• Model Effective Interactions – Communicate effectively with both internal and external customers by being modifiable, inviting participation, and clearly stating intentions.
• Employ Essentialism – Prioritize tasks that support the achievement of our vision, mission, and strategic plan while living our core values
• Communicate with Radical Candor – Challenge Directly while caring personally to promote effectiveness and associate growth and development
• Embrace the Power of Vulnerability – Create a culture where honest sharing of weaknesses, feelings, and experiences is recognized as an opportunity for growth, improved relationships, and better outcomes.
• Align with Intrinsic Motivators – As much as possible, manage associates so that they have an appropriate amount of autonomy, can master a specific skill set, and are aligned with the broader purpose of the company.
• Servant Leadership – Be of service to associates by removing obstacles and providing support that enables their success and well-being.

• On-site position at our Fremont office, Monday–Friday.
• Occasional travel, including overnight stays, to supplier, customer, and Swagelok facilities for audits, quality reviews, and corporate meetings.
• Regular time on the production floor and in inspection and warehouse areas, working with associates and resolving quality issues.
• Close visual review of parts, blueprints, engineering drawings, and documentation, including distinguishing colors.
• 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.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, required in production and warehouse areas; moderate noise levels in production areas.

Skills, Competencies, Education & Work Experience

• Applies quality assurance tools and techniques; knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methods preferred.
• Maintains effective document control practices consistent with ISO requirements.
• Follows established procedures rigorously and models procedural discipline for the department.
• Develops strategic plans and manages the department budget.
• Communicates effectively with executive leadership and leads cross-functional initiatives.
• Applies statistical analysis to identify trends and guide continuous improvement.
• Reads, interprets, and critiques mechanical drawings.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Progressive Quality experience in a manufacturing environment: 
  • Minimum of 8 years with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or
  • Minimum of 5 years with a master’s degree in a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of that Quality experience in a leadership or management role.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a Quality-related discipline.
•  ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).

Benefits

• 100% covered employee Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Up to 80% dependent coverage for Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 401k Plan & Company Matching up to 4%
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Pay
• Generous PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $50/month
• Professional Coaching