Job Title: Plant Quality Manager Machining, Aerospace & Defense

Location: Bengaluru
Department: Quality
Reports To: Quality Head

Job Summary

The Plant Quality Manager is responsible for leading and enhancing all quality systems and processes across the manufacturing plant, ensuring consistent delivery of high-precision, compliant products for Aerospace & Defense applications. This role oversees end-to-end quality including supplier quality, in-process control, and final inspection across machining, special processes, and electro-mechanical assemblies.

The position demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of aerospace standards, and a strategic approach to compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement to meet stringent regulatory and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Leadership & Management

- Lead and manage Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) teams across machining and assembly operations.
- Develop, implement, and sustain the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific aerospace requirements.
- Establish plant quality objectives, KPIs, and improvement roadmaps aligned with business and regulatory goals.
- Foster a culture of quality, safety, traceability, and zero-defect mindset across all functions.
- Act as Management Representative for audits and certification bodies.

2. Product & Process Quality

- Oversee quality across manufacturing operations:

- Machining: CNC turning, milling, grinding, precision machining of aerospace-grade materials (Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel, etc.)
- Special Processes: Heat treatment, anodizing, plating, NDT (as applicable)
- Fabrication & Assembly: Sheet metal, mechanical assembly, and electro-mechanical integration

- Ensure implementation of PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Work Instructions.
- Drive process capability improvements using SPC, Cp/Cpk studies, and statistical tools.




- Ensure strict adherence to First Article Inspection (FAI) as per AS9102.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action using 8D, 5 Why, DMAIC methodologies.

3. Supplier Quality & Incoming Inspection

- Manage supplier quality systems and incoming inspection processes.
- Qualify and develop suppliers in line with aerospace requirements including NADCAP (where applicable).
- Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance, and drive corrective/preventive actions.
- Oversee PPAP / APQP (as applicable) and supplier approval processes.

4. Customer Quality Management

- Serve as primary interface for customer quality requirements, audits, and approvals.
- Lead resolution of customer complaints and non-conformances with timely corrective actions.
- Support Current Product Introduction (NPI) through quality planning, validation, and risk mitigation.
- Ensure compliance with customer-specific aerospace and defense standards.

5. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

- Ensure compliance with:
- AS9100 / ISO 9001
- AS9102 (FAI requirements)
- ITAR / EAR (if applicable)
- Customer and regulatory requirements for Aerospace & Defense

- Maintain full traceability, documentation control, and configuration management.
- Ensure calibration systems and MSA (Measurement System Analysis) are effective.

6. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

- Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives to improve yield, reduce scrap/rework, and enhance process efficiency.
- Utilize data analytics tools to drive decision-making and performance improvements.




- Implement best practices in quality engineering and digital quality systems.

Qualifications

Education

- Bachelors Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
- Masters Degree preferred

Experience

- 1520 years of experience in Quality Management within Aerospace, Defense, or Precision Machining industry
- Strong expertise in machining processes and aerospace manufacturing standards
- Proven experience in handling AS9100 audits, customer audits, and regulatory compliance
- Experience managing cross-functional teams in high-mix, high-precision environments

Technical Skills

- Strong knowledge of:
- AS9100, AS9102, ISO 9001
- GD&T; (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
- FMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, 8D

- Familiarity with special processes and aerospace materials
- Hands-on experience with inspection tools (CMM, surface testers, gauges)
- Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, Power BI)

Soft Skills

- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solving mindset
- Ability to work in a highly regulated and compliance-driven environment

Key Success Metrics

- Reduction in customer complaints and escapes
- First pass yield (FPY) and process capability improvement
- Audit success rate (internal, customer, certification)
- Supplier quality performance
- On-time closure of corrective actions

Preferred Certifications

- ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) / Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lead Auditor Certification (AS9100)

Note: Experience in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing environments with strong regulatory exposure is highly preferred.

Interested candidates may reach out to [email protected]

📌 Plant Quality Manager (Bengaluru)
🏢 Cyient
📍 Bengaluru