Lab Manager Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join our team at Elemet Manufacturing. The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) within the business unit to ensure consistent production of products and processes that meet established standards and customer requirements. The role includes the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Quality Assurance Department, which includes technicians and inspectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and hold accountable all direct reports within the Quality Assurance team.

• Monitor, improve, and maintain policies and procedures, with a continual focus on developing and evolving the Quality Management System (QMS). Ensure that the QMS is effectively executed and understood across the organization, with a particular focus on product and process compliance in alignment with ISO 9001 standards and any additional customer or regulatory requirements.

• Develop and execute quality strategies, plans, objectives, and goals that ensure conformance to all customer and regulatory requirements. Align quality metrics with business unit KPIs and maintain effective tracking and reporting.

• Implement and oversee internal and external audit programs to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the QMS. Support internal audit activities across other Elemet business units as required.

• Manage supplier quality requirements, including certificates of conformance, sampling inspections, chemical and physical test reports, first article inspections, process approvals, inspection plans, material approvals, test and inspection reports, statistical process control (SPC), Corrective Action Requests (CAR), and the approved supplier list.

• Oversee the inspection and testing of tools and equipment to ensure conformance to quality standards. Establish and maintain calibration procedures for instrumentation, ensuring traceability and compliance.

• Ensure that inspection and testing sequences are included in the quality planning process, with proper recording of in-process and final inspection data, as well as SPC data, according to the Quality Control Plan.

• Establish and maintain systems to control parts, products, and materials, ensuring conformance to established standards, customer and supplier specifications, and proactive management of quality risks.

• Manage and coordinate activities required to resolve quality-related issues. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives in collaboration with customers, internal/external suppliers, and manufacturing teams to prevent recurrence of nonconformances. Monitor the effectiveness and timely closure of corrective actions through CAR review boards. Manage nonconforming parts through the RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) and DMR (Defective Material Report) processes. Lead MRB (Material Review Board) activities across the business unit.

• Manage the Quality Department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• A 4-year degree in Business Management, Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on Quality Management, is preferred.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a quality management role or a closely related field.

• Proven experience with ISO 9001 audits, including securing and maintaining certification.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Familiarity with computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) software, with the ability to access and retrieve data from systems.

• Formal training in root cause analysis and ISO principles.

• In-depth knowledge and experience in managing a metrology program, including maintaining a calibration system.

• Hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), preferably FARO equipment.

• Understanding of Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and control planning.

• Demonstrated success in managing projects and leading teams to achieve measurable, continuous improvements in process efficiency and quality.

• Expertise in SPC methods, including Total Quality Management (TQM), monitoring and control techniques, data and defect analysis, variance reduction, capability analysis, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. on a consistent basis

• Ability to stand for up to 10 hours

• Excellent hand/eye coordination

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use power tools

• Good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina

• Consistently wear personal protective equipment

• Ability to work in production facility with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels

Featured Benefits

• Medical Insurance with HSA

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

• 401(k) Contributions

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Profit Sharing

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Volunteer PTO

• 9 Paid Holidays

• Paid Uniforms

• Boot Reimbursement

Job Details

Job Title: Quality Manager

Company: Elemet Manufacturing

Location: Aitkin, MN

Shift: 1st

Reports To: President

Direct Reports: Yes

Pay Type: Salary

Job Type: Indirect

Requisition ID: 52121

The expected base pay range for this position is between $75,000 and $90,000 per hour. The actual base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including geographical location, education, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Who We Are

Elemet Group provides solutions to solve our customers’ manufacturing and fabrication challenges. Across our four separate locations, we have access to state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled specialists in CNC metal spinning, robotic welding, automated machining, assembly, powder coating, e-coating, and 2-axis and 5-axis water jet cutting and provide our customers with vertically integrated solutions.

Our core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Driven, Innovation, and Fun guide our daily business decisions, foster a strong sense of community, and reinforce our commitment to a positive workplace culture.

Elemet Group participates in E-Verify, a federal program that checks the employment eligibility of all new hires.

Elemet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Quality Control Experience
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• Quality Control Data Analysis
• PPAP Process Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) (Faro)