Quality Manager – Fabrication (3-A/FDA/USDA)

Job Title: Quality Manager – Fabrication (3-A/FDA/USDA)

Job Summary:

The Quality Manager – Fabrication is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality and regulatory compliance of fabricated equipment and components used in food and beverage manufacturing. This role leads quality control, inspection, and continuous improvement programs focused on sanitary fabrication processes compliant with 3-A Sanitary Standards, FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulations. The manager works closely with fabrication, engineering, and production teams to maintain the highest standards of product integrity and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems and procedures for fabrication activities to ensure compliance with 3-A, FDA, USDA, and FSMA standards.

• Lead internal and external audits, inspections, and certification processes related to fabrication quality and regulatory compliance.

• Review and approve fabrication processes, welding procedures, material certifications, and inspection reports.

Inspection & Testing

• Oversee inspection and testing of fabricated tanks, piping, valves, and structural components to verify compliance with design specifications and sanitary standards.

• Manage non-conformance identification, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.

• Ensure traceability and documentation of all quality inspections and tests.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on fabrication quality, process control, and defect reduction.

• Collaborate with fabrication, engineering, and maintenance teams to enhance welding, assembly, and finishing processes.

• Promote quality awareness and training programs within fabrication teams.

Supplier & Vendor Quality Management

• Evaluate and monitor supplier quality for purchased fabrication materials and subcontracted services.

• Establish quality requirements and collaborate with vendors to ensure compliance.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop the quality assurance team supporting fabrication operations.

• Work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and safety teams to align quality objectives with business goals.

Key Focus Areas:

• Fabrication quality management and regulatory compliance

• Inspection, testing, and non-conformance management

• Continuous quality improvement and defect prevention

• Supplier quality oversight and collaboration

• Team leadership and cross-functional communication

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field preferred

Certifications:

• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or equivalent preferred

• HACCP, PCQI, or food safety-related certifications advantageous

Experience:

• 7+ years experience in quality management or quality assurance roles within fabrication for food & beverage or sanitary equipment industries

• Strong knowledge of 3-A Sanitary Standards, FDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations

• Experience with welding inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT), and quality system audits

Skills:

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and documentation

• Ability to lead teams and drive cross-functional collaboration

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities