Manager - Quality Assurance

Job Title: Quality Head

Level: Senior Level

Location: Peenya, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Job Description Summary

The Head Quality Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure a Zero-Defect Culture and Proactive Quality across Unimech Aerospaces manufacturing facilities in Peenya. This role will lead the quality team, drive compliance with industry standards, and partner with site leadership to deliver high-precision products meeting customer and regulatory requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic

• Own and champion the development and execution of a Zero Defect Culture and Proactive Quality strategy across Unimechs Peenya and SEZ facilities.
• Develop and implement quality strategies for in-process, delivered, and systems quality to meet the needs of aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, establishing standard work for quality investigations and ensuring robust problem resolution.
• Drive Lean transformation within the quality team, leading kaizen events and applying problem-solving methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with OEMs (e.g., NPCIL, NFC, TATA Electronics, GE, Boeing, Collins Aerospace) to align quality processes with customer expectations.

Organizational

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Quality Engineers to achieve quality KPI improvements and foster a culture of excellence.
• Interface with cross-functional teams, including engineering, machining, and supply chain, to drive quality system excellence and continuous improvement.
• Act as the primary quality liaison for customer and regulatory audits, ensuring compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards.
• Promote a collaborative work environment, engaging shop floor personnel and senior leadership to enhance quality culture and accountability.

Operational

• Drive operational excellence by achieving site-level quality KPIs through daily management and robust quality operating rhythms (daily, weekly, monthly).
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards, including AS9100 Rev D, and regulatory requirements for export-controlled products.
• Oversee quality management practices from New Product Introduction (NPI) to customer fulfilment, ensuring precision in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
• Standardize quality processes across Unimechs Peenya facility, leveraging CNC, CMM, and special process capabilities.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor quality performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to minimize defects and rework.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in quality management, engineering, or manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the Nuclear, aerospace or Defence industry.

• Skills:

• Strong knowledge of AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, and ISO 45001 standards.

• Expertise in quality system execution, precision manufacturing processes, and aerospace tooling.

• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies for process improvement.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with shop floor teams, senior leadership, and customers.

Desired Characteristics

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, foster collaboration, and drive cultural change toward quality excellence.
• Analytical Skills: Data-driven decision-maker with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with aerospace OEM requirements (e.g., Boeing, Collins Aerospace) and high-precision manufacturing processes.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset, critical thinker, and ability to challenge existing processes for continuous improvement.

• Personal Attributes:

• Transparent: Shares critical information candidly and contributes constructively.

• Focused: Quick learner, prioritizes strategically, and committed to results.

• Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred but not essential.