Company Overview
ARC Adaptive Machining Solutions provides advanced EDM, waterjet, and precision grinding services to the aerospace, defense, medical, and power generation industries. Our facilities are AS9100- and/or NADCAP-certified and are committed to disciplined processes, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
The Site Quality Lead serves as the senior quality authority at the Hampton, VA facility, and is responsible for both tactical execution and quality system leadership.
This role is designed for a technically strong, hands-on quality professional - ideally with prior senior inspection, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering experience. The successful candidate must be a working leader who actively participates in inspection, problem-solving, and containment activities rather than delegating execution.
Approximately 70% of the role focuses on tactical quality ownership (inspection oversight, NCR control, gage management, and product release), with 30% focused on quality system development, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
This position partners closely with Site Operations and Manufacturing Engineering and plays a critical role in protecting customer relationships and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Tactical Quality Leadership (Approx. 70%)
Product Conformity & Release
- Personally perform and oversee in-process, final, and AS9102 First Article inspections.
- Serve as final quality authority for product release.
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer-specific requirements.
- Ensure full traceability and documentation accuracy in compliance with AS9100.
Nonconformance & Containment
- Lead containment activities for nonconforming material.
- Own NCR documentation, segregation controls, and MRB coordination.
- Drive structured root cause investigations using data and technical analysis.
- Identify systemic issues rather than isolated corrections.
Gage & Measurement System Ownership
- Own the site gage control and calibration program.
- Validate measurement methods and support Gage R&R studies.
- Ensure effective use of CMM, Faro/Blue Light systems, and advanced metrology tools.
- Improve measurement reliability and repeatability.
Audit Readiness
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and process controls.
- Lead site preparation for AS9100 and NADCAP audits.
- Act as primary site quality representative during audits when required.
Quality System & Technical Leadership (Approx. 30%)
QMS & Documentation
- Update and improve quality procedures and work instructions.
- Align site-level documentation with corporate QMS standards.
- Drive process discipline and eliminate gaps in execution.
Technical Problem Solving
- Apply engineering-level thinking to process capability, tolerance stack-ups, and defect trends.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to improve process robustness.
- Support corrective actions with data-driven analysis.
Training & Development
- Develop and deliver inspection and documentation training.
- Elevate quality awareness across both shifts.
- Set clear expectations for material control and compliance.
What We Are Looking For
- Required: 5+ years in aerospace, EDM, or precision manufacturing quality.
- Required 5+ years: Demonstrated ability to work directly on the floor — not strictly from an office.
- Preferred 4-6 years: Prior experience as a Senior Quality Tech, Quality Engineer, or Manufacturing Engineer strongly preferred. You are the problem solver.
- Required 2+ years: Strong technical understanding of GD&T and precision tolerancing.
- Preferred 2+ years: Deep working knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102; NADCAP experience preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Education
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related technical field preferred. Years of experience can be substituted for a degree.
- ASQ certifications (CQE, CQI, CQT) are highly desirable.
Success Profile
The ideal candidate:
- Technically confident and comfortable challenging assumptions.
- Leads by example and is visible on the shop floor daily.
- Takes ownership of quality outcomes rather than assigning blame.
- Balances compliance with practical manufacturing realities.
- Can transition from hands-on inspection to strategic system thinking seamlessly.
Success Metrics
- Zero customer escapes
- Reduced NCR cycle time
- Audit performance (AS9100 / NADCAP/Customer)
- Gage compliance accuracy
- Scrap and rework trend reduction
- On-time product release
Compensation & Benefits
· Competitive salary: Based on experience
· Insurance coverage: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability
· Employee Referral Program
· 401(k) with employer matching
· Paid time off: negotiable vacation and holidays
· Bonus opportunities
ITAR Requirement
This position requires compliance with U.S. export laws. Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other protected individuals as defined by ITAR).
Join us as a Site Quality Lead to make a tangible impact on product excellence while advancing your career in a dynamic manufacturing environment committed to innovation and continuous improvement!
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Precision Manufacturing: 5 years (Required)
- manufacturing floor: 5 years (Required)
- Quality Engineer: 5 years (Preferred)
- GD&T and precision tolerancing: 2 years (Required)
- AS9100, AS9102, NADCAP: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person