Quality Lead
$116,000–$174,000 year
On-siteLos Lunas, New Mexico, United States
Job Summary
Develop and maintain Pacific Fusion's Quality Management System, including policies, procedures, document control, and training programs. Lead internal audits, manage root cause investigations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and engineering processes. Establish inspection programs, safety compliance systems, and supplier quality activities while partnering with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams. Conduct routine safety inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations to ensure adherence to OSHA and industry standards. Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on quality and safety objectives, mentoring future team members and fostering a culture of accountability.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality management, manufacturing engineering, or related disciplines
- Demonstrated experience building or significantly improving quality systems in a manufacturing environment
- Experience supporting advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, defense, semiconductor, scientific equipment, or highly regulated industries
- Experience leading root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions
- Experience developing policies, procedures, training programs, and operational standards
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, SPC, and quality tools
- Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities
- Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor supporting operations directly
- Physical ability to squat, reach, climb, prolonged periods of standing, frequent lifting of objects up to 50 lbs, and regular hands-on work with tools and equipment in the laboratory
Desired Qualifications
- Background in electromechanical product assembly or electronics manufacturing
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and industrial safety practices
- Familiarity with datavis tools and visual factory concepts that use dashboards, IoT data, and visual tools to display real-time facility performance
- Experience implementing or managing quality systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, AS9100, or similar standards
- Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, ISIR, SPC, and 8D problem solving
- Experience managing supplier quality and supply chain quality programs
- Knowledge of radiation safety, high-voltage systems, cryogenic systems, pressure systems, hazardous energy control, or other industrial hazards commonly encountered in advanced energy environments
- Experience supporting research, prototype, or low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing operations
- Familiarity with regulatory and industry frameworks relevant to fusion energy, nuclear technologies, advanced energy systems, and high-reliability engineering organizations
- Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), OSHA, or similar professional certifications
- Proven ability to build systems, teams, and culture from the ground up
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