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Quality Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a ...

Manages relationships with internal and external customers, suppliers, colleagues, and support services to ensure achievement of targets. SYSTEMS TASKS * Manages quality assurance production floor ...

Understand and manage PPAP documentation per AIAG guidelines • Assist with the development of training material and assist with training sessions on quality concepts and activities. • Assist with ...

Understand and manage PPAP documentation per AIAG guidelines · Assist with the development of training material and assist with training sessions on quality concepts and activities. · Assist with ...

This role also manages finished product release criteria, including net contents, sensory program ... The Quality Specialist collaborates closely with the Quality Team to proactively identify, resolve ...

Coordinates the development, assessment and monitoring of quality management initiatives, indicators, action plans, audits, and related activities. * Identifies opportunities for process improvement ...

New

Coordinates the development, assessment and monitoring of quality management initiatives, indicators, action plans, audits, and related activities. * Identifies opportunities for process improvement ...

New

Quality Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$71K - $91K/yr

Qualifications Manager looking for candidates with 4 year Engineering degrees and is open to recent ... Additional Information Learns and uses quality planning tools and analysis to formulate/facilitate ...

Quality Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Interprets engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, or formulas and confers with management or engineering staff to determine quality and reliability standards. * Selects products for tests at ...

Quality Technician

Waterloo, IA

$17.75 - $24/hr

Interprets engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, or formulas and confers with management or engineering staff to determine quality and reliability standards. * Selects products for tests at ...

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Quality Manager information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$38K

$89.8K

$136.6K

How much do quality manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for quality manager in Waterloo, IA is $89,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do quality managers earn?

Quality managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can increase with certifications like Six Sigma or ISO auditor credentials and managerial responsibilities.

What does a quality manager do?

As a quality manager, your job is to oversee Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) for each product or service assigned to you. Your duties include guaranteeing products and services meet the standards of your organization, keeping management aware of any problems with production, and ensuring that the manufacturing process goes as smoothly as possible. This job has different aspects depending on where a product or service is in the development cycle. Products that are still being designed need QA to make creation as smooth as possible, while released products require QC to ensure the expected level of quality is maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Manager, you need expertise in quality control processes, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in quality management systems. Familiarity with ISO standards, Six Sigma, and software tools like Minitab or SAP is highly valued, along with certifications such as CQE or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for driving continuous improvement and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. These skills ensure product and process excellence, regulatory adherence, and organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Quality Manager vs Quality Supervisor?

AspectQuality Manager

Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in quality assurance, engineering, or related field; certifications like ASQ CQE or Six Sigma are common.
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple teams or departments, strategic planning, and process improvement initiatives.
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries to lead quality programs.
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with Quality Supervisor due to overlapping responsibilities and career progression.

The main difference between a Quality Manager and a Quality Supervisor lies in their scope and responsibilities. A Quality Manager focuses on strategic quality initiatives, process improvements, and managing teams at a higher level, often requiring advanced certifications. In contrast, a Quality Supervisor typically oversees daily operations, supervises staff directly, and implements quality procedures. Both roles are essential in maintaining quality standards, but the manager role involves broader planning and leadership functions.

What is the job of a quality manager?

A quality manager oversees an organization’s quality assurance and control processes to ensure products or services meet specified standards. They develop quality policies, conduct audits, analyze data, and implement improvements, often using tools like Six Sigma or ISO standards. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and certification such as CQE or CQE are common requirements for this role.

What are some common challenges quality managers face when implementing new quality standards across teams?

Quality Managers often encounter resistance to change when introducing new quality standards, as team members may be accustomed to established processes. Ensuring consistent understanding and adoption across departments requires clear communication, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. Additionally, balancing the need for compliance with production deadlines can be challenging, so Quality Managers must collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and leadership teams to align goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Is it hard to be a quality manager?

Being a quality manager involves overseeing quality assurance processes, implementing standards like ISO, and managing teams, which can require strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and certifications such as Six Sigma. The role can be demanding due to the responsibility for product or service quality and compliance, but it also offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership. The difficulty varies depending on industry, company size, and individual experience.
What job categories do people searching Quality Manager jobs in Waterloo, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Manager jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Quality Manager jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Quality Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Manager job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,777 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Quality Manager

W S DARLEY & CO

Janesville, IA • On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

W.S. Darley & Co. is a leading provider of mission-critical equipment and solutions supporting the U.S. Military and first responders worldwide. Our Iowa Operations division specializes in the design and manufacturing of fuel and water systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as drop-in skid units and CAFS (Compressed Air Foam Systems) for the firefighting industry.
W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a planned transition role, working closely with the current Quality Manager in the short term and assuming full responsibility within 6-12 months. The role supports multiple manufacturing product lines operating in an ISO 9001-certified environment, with a primary focus on U.S. Government and prime defense contracting.
Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in units, and portable pump systems.
This is an on-site position located in Janesville, IA.
Requirements
  • Maintain, improve, and ensure compliance of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System across all Iowa manufacturing operations o Short Term - Lead transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026
  • Lead internal and external audits, including customer, prime contractor, and government audits
  • Serve as the primary Quality interface with U.S. Government agencies, defense primes, and key commercial customers
  • Oversee document control, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), nonconformance management, and continuous improvement activities
  • Support contract reviews, quality planning, and flow-down of quality requirements to manufacturing and suppliers
  • Lead quality-related supplier management and incoming inspection processes
  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and training to quality staff and cross-functional teams
  • Support transition planning and knowledge transfer from the current Quality Manager

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (equivalent experience considered)
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality or Manufacturing Engineering, preferably in a defense or regulated manufacturing environment
  • Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and audit processes
  • Experience with government contracting quality requirements (FAR/DFARS exposure preferred)
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a multi-product manufacturing environment
  • Strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills

Work Environment
  • Manufacturing and office environment
  • Periodic travel for supplier visits and customer audits

Why W.S. Darley & Co.?
  • Stable, growing company supporting U.S. military and first responders
  • Collaborative, team-oriented manufacturing environment
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

Benefits
  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health & Wellness Reimbursement
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life & Disability
  • HSA with Darley contribution
  • FSA
  • 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing
  • Darley paid life insurance

Compensation
$85,000-$110,000 annually
AAP/EEO Statement
Darley is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law
Salary Description
85,000-110,000