Quality Manager (Manufacturing)
Company Overview
DEW Engineering and Development is a multi-divisional technology company that designs and manufactures innovative products for global clients. We provide a wide range of services including design, testing, prototyping, development, and manufacturing for both military and commercial markets. Our mission is to deliver high-quality solutions while fostering an environment that promotes personal and professional growth.
About the role
We are a defence contractor manufacturing mission-critical equipment from metal cutting and forming through welding, machining, assembly, and paint/finish operations. The Quality Manager leads the Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Control function to ensure product conformity, compliance to customer/contract requirements, and continuous improvement across the value stream.
Key responsibilities:
Own and continuously improve the QMS: document control, internal audits, management review, metrics, corrective/preventive action (CAPA), and continuous improvement.
Lead Quality Control activities: receiving, in-process, and final inspection; test verification; and maintenance of objective quality records.
Develop inspection plans and acceptance criteria aligned to drawings, specifications, and contract requirements; ensure appropriate measurement methods and calibrated equipment are used.
Drive root-cause analysis and problem solving for nonconformances (internal, supplier, and customer) using structured methods (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D); verify effectiveness of actions.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to align quality objectives with production processes and cost targets while maintaining product reliability and compliance.
Support quality planning and contract/design review; ensure changes are assessed and flowed down through controlled documentation and work instructions.
Manage supplier quality: Working with our Procurement team, approve/maintain the vendor list, review subcontractor performance, and support purchase order quality requirements and source/receiving inspection.
Prepare for and host external/customer/government quality visits and audits, coordinate responses, actions, and evidence packages.
Lead, coach, and develop QC/QA staff (inspectors/technicians); establish training and qualification requirements and provide onboarding briefings.
Investigate and support resolution of customer quality issues, including corrective actions and containment activities.
Report quality performance to leadership using actionable KPIs (scrap/rework, escapes, audit findings, COPQ, on-time closure of CAPA, supplier performance).
Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and right-first-time workmanship across fabrication (cut/form), welding, machining, assembly, and paint operations.
Required qualifications:
Post-secondary degree/diploma in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
5+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment (metal fabrication and/or machining), including hands-on involvement with inspections, nonconformance control, and CAPA.
Demonstrated experience leading or significantly owning a QMS (document control, internal auditing, management reviews, and metrics).
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and product specifications; knowledge of inspection planning and sampling methods.
Working knowledge of welding and fabrication quality requirements (weld inspection fundamentals, WPS/PQR awareness, material traceability as applicable).
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to develop and analyze quality data and drive actions to completion.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to write clear procedures, reports, and corrective action responses.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality tools (e.g., NCR/CAPA tracking, basic statistical analysis).
People leadership capability: hiring, coaching, training, performance management, and building effective cross-functional teams.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience in defense/aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor training; familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 (or equivalent quality standards).
Experience supporting customer/government quality representatives and formal audits.
Supplier quality management experience (vendor qualification, scorecards, SCARs).
Knowledge of special process controls (welding, coating/paint, heat treat) and verification, including record retention/traceability practices.
Quality certification (e.g., ASQ CQE, CQM/OE, CQA) is an asset.
Work environment:
This role is primarily based on-site in a manufacturing environment and includes regular time on the shop floor (cut/form, weld, machine, assembly, paint). Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, customer meetings, or audits.
Security / export compliance:
Employment may be contingent on meeting program/customer requirements, which can include background screening and eligibility to access controlled goods/technical data. Candidates must be able to comply with all applicable export control and security requirements.
If your background is a match and you are interested in pursuing this challenging opportunity, please forward your resume in confidence with “Quality Manager” in the subject line to [email protected].
While we thank all those who apply, only qualified candidates will be contacted.
DEW is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
DEW strives to create a respectful, accessible and inclusive work environment. Upon individual request, DEW will endeavour to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those candidates with disabilities. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application,