Factory Lead, Quality

Position Overview

Hadrian's Quality team is seeking a Factory Lead, Quality to champion our commitment to product quality. In a dynamic environment focused on automation and process excellence, the Factory Lead will oversee the quality inspection process, drive continuous improvement, and lead a team of specialists. This position requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to ensuring all aspects of our inspection processes meet the highest standards of precision and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Inspection Oversight:

1. Lead and manage the inspection process for a full series of units according to the inspection plan.

2. Ensure comprehensive execution of manual inspections, certification/paperwork reviews, and analysis of inspection data (CMM reports and manual inspections).

3. Coordinate with source inspectors to enforce compliance and maintain high-quality standards.

Non-Conformance Management:

1. Oversee the creation of detailed, actionable Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and ensure effective verification of disposition actions.

2. Coordinate and provide detailed and executable dispositions for reworkable non-conformances.

3. Provide strategic feedback to CAM and engineering teams to resolve root causes of issues identified during inspections.

Team Leadership and Management:

1. Mentor, train, and manage specialists in manual and mechanical inspection tools and processes.

2. Develop and implement training programs to enhance team competency and ensure adherence to quality standards.

3. Assign tasks and oversee performance, ensuring optimal output and quality.

Technical Supervision and Support:

1. Supervise and provide hands-on support to specialists performing manual inspections.

2. Ensure that inspection outputs consistently meet quality standards; guide specialists to achieve high-quality results.

New Product Introduction (NPI):

1. Lead the validation of new processes, providing critical technical feedback to CAM programming, Manufacturing Engineering, and Applications Engineering teams.

2. Conduct prove-outs using CMM programs and manual inspection and manage process release to production.

3. Advise Operations Team on inspection best practices and methodologies.

Continuous Improvement:

1. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance inspection efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Lead initiatives to standardize procedures and elevate overall inspection quality.

3. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the area, and own station layout improvements for streamlined operation.

Day-to-Day Operations:

1. Manage the day-to-day operations of the work center, overseeing maintenance and task execution.

2. Understand area metrics and performance, driving the team toward achieving these goals.

Communication and Support:

1. Act as a liaison to leadership, communicating any support needed or issues affecting area performance.

2. Organize the work area to maintain a productive and orderly environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of inspection experience in a high-paced manufacturing environment, with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role.

• Proficiency with hand and mechanical inspection tools.

• Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints and understand Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Proven track record in a high-volume inspection role within aerospace or another industry with stringent tolerance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PC-DMIS programming.

• Aerospace inspection experience.

• Machining experience.

• Familiarity with optical measurement devices (comparator, structured light scanning, optical profilometers).

Success Factors

• Intelligence: Analyze data and prioritize effectively in a variable environment.
  Example: Utilizes inspection trend analysis to identify systemic issues and develops targeted strategies to mitigate recurring defects.

• Autonomous: Set clear, actionable goals aligned with business objectives.
  Example: Proactively implements process adjustments based on inspection metrics to minimize non-conformance rates and enhance overall quality.

• Fair/Predictable: Uphold standardization in processes and personnel.
  Example: Develops and enforces uniform inspection protocols, ensuring consistent quality assessments across the team and reducing variability.

• Decisiveness: Make prompt decisions to drive action without excessive analysis.
  Example: Rapidly assesses inspection outcomes and determines immediate corrective measures to address out-of-tolerance findings, balancing quality with production schedules.