Quality Assurance Manager / Director of Quality

Pioneer Motor Bearing Company / PMB Machine Works

Kings Mountain, NC

Company Overview:

Pioneer Motor Bearing Company / PMB Machine Works is a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer and repair facility specializing in babbitted bearings and precision-machined components for aerospace, defense, government, power generation, and industrial markets.

Pioneer maintains certifications to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 Rev D and operates in compliance with ITAR and CMMC Level 2 requirements. We also maintain a strong presence in the nuclear industry, supporting customers governed by NQA-1, 10 CFR 50, and 10 CFR 21. Welding and nondestructive examination (NDE) processes are integral parts of our daily operations.

As Pioneer continues to grow, we are seeking a highly qualified Quality Assurance Manager to lead and oversee the Quality Department at our Kings Mountain, North Carolina, facility.

Position Summary:

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading, maintaining, and continuously improving Pioneer’s Quality Management System (QMS). This role oversees all quality-related activities, manages quality personnel, ensures compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and serves as a primary customer-facing representative for quality matters.

The Quality Assurance Manager plays a critical role in supporting Pioneer’s aerospace, defense, and nuclear programs by ensuring product conformity, audit readiness, and effective corrective action program.

This role reports directly to the President & CEO and has the authority to stop work when quality, safety, or regulatory compliance risks are identified.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System

• Maintain, manage, and continuously improve Pioneer’s Quality Management System (QMS).

• Write, revise, and control all quality documentation, including procedures, manuals, work instructions, and ISO/AS-related documentation.

• Establish, maintain, and control all company-wide quality training requirements.

Audits & Compliance

• Lead and serve as the primary company representative for customer audits, external ISO/AS registrar audits, and regulatory reviews.

• Lead internal audits and supplier audits; maintain a strong, effective audit program.

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, ITAR, and CMMC Level II requirements.

Quality Programs & Nonconformance Management

• Oversee and control the Nonconformance Report (NCR) and Corrective Action (CA) programs.

• Review and approve final quality data packages and issue Certificates of Conformance (C of C).

• Work closely with customers to resolve quality issues and provide technical support.

Technical & Production Support

• Review drawings, specifications, and technical requirements at an advanced level.

• Develop, write, and maintain Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and Quality Plans (QPs).

• Directly lead, mentor, and develop quality technicians and coordinate training, performance, and departmental activities.

• Provide guidance and support for welding quality and NDE processes when outsourced.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of NDE processes (UT, PT, MT); previous NDE qualifications preferred.

• Ability to interpret industry NDE standards/specifications and acceptance criteria.

• Capability to obtain NDE Level II certifications under Pioneer’s qualification program.

• Strong blueprint reading and drawing interpretation skills.

• Excellent multitasking ability, organization, and attention to detail.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace, and advanced computer skills.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical degree (required) – from an accredited college or university.

• Previous quality management level experience with ISO 9001:2015 and/or AS9100 (minimum 5 years’ experience required).

• Lead Auditor experience for ISO or AS9100 (preferred).

• Experience in aerospace, nuclear, defense, or heavy manufacturing quality systems is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

Pioneer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support long-term employment and leadership stability, including:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with three plan options, with approximately 95% of employee premiums paid by the company and significant contributions toward dependent coverage

• Health Savings Account (HSA) options with company contributions of $2,000 for individual plans and $4,000 for family plans, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Supplemental health benefits providing zero-cost access to generic prescriptions, primary care telehealth, mental health support, and wellness coaching

• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with safe-harbor company match

• Generous paid time off, starting at 2.5 weeks, increasing to 3 weeks after three years, and scaling up to 6 weeks with tenure

Full compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply

Send resumes to:

R. Miller, Quality Assurance Manager

Email: [email protected]

You should be proficient in:

• AS9100
• ITAR Compliance
• Quality Control Experience
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience