Assistant Manager – Quality & R&D

Job Description

Job Role : Assistant Manager – Quality & R&D Department: Plant Operations / Manufacturing - Explosives Manufacturing (Commercial, Industrial, Export-Focused) Grade / Level: Middle Management Location: Hosur Plant, TamilNadu Reporting To: Manager – Quality & R&D / Plant Head Job Purpose: To ensure quality assurance, process improvements, and R&D initiatives at SUA Explosives and Accessories manufacturing plant in compliance with PESO regulations, Explosives Rules, and international quality standards for explosive materials, with a focus on product reliability, safety, and export readiness. Key Responsibilities: 1. Quality Assurance & Control  Monitor and control quality of raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods using approved test methods.  Implement and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs).  Ensure compliance with PESO norms for manufacturing, testing, and documentation. 2. Regulatory and PESO Compliance  Maintain required quality and test records as mandated by PESO and licensing conditions.  Prepare and support documentation for PESO audits and inspections.  Verify conformity of critical safety and performance parameters as per Explosives Rules, 2008 and amendments. 3. R&D and Product Improvement  Assist in developing and optimizing new explosive formulations, packaging solutions, and process technologies.  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product stability, safety, and export packaging compliance.  Conduct trial batches and validation of new or modified products for domestic and international markets. 4. Export-Oriented Support  Validate compliance of finished goods with IMDG, UN, and IATA norms for international shipments.  Certify quality of export batches and generate test reports for client and statutory documentation.  Liaise with QA, production, and packaging teams to meet country-specific performance and safety requirements. 5. Laboratory Operations  Supervise laboratory testing of materials and ensure equipment calibration, maintenance, and documentation.  Ensure safe handling, mixing, and testing of energetic materials following SOPs and risk assessments.  Maintain traceability, sampling plans, and test protocols. 6. Data Management and Reporting  Maintain analytical data logs, product quality records, and batch-wise traceability.  Analyze trends and deviations; initiate CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions) for non-conformities.  Support internal and third-party audits (ISO, PESO, customer audits). Required Knowledge Areas:  Indian Explosives Rules, PESO regulations, and testing requirements  Quality standards: ISO 9001, IMDG Code, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations  Chemical properties of explosives and pyrotechnics  UN classifications and packaging standards for Class 1 goods  QA/QC techniques, testing methods, and laboratory safety protocols  Export compliance norms and international safety performance parameters Key Skills:  Analytical testing and problem-solving in energetic materials  Report writing, documentation, and audit readiness  Knowledge of chemical and physical property testing equipment  Understanding of international export compliance (IMDG, UN, IATA)  R&D support with formulation trials and process improvements  Cross-functional collaboration with production, logistics, and compliance teams Core Competencies: Competency Description Quality Control Excellence Ensures consistent product quality through robust inspection and testing Regulatory Compliance Maintains strict adherence to PESO and international regulatory standards Analytical Mindset Applies technical knowledge to evaluate results and solve quality issues Innovation in R&D Contributes to product and process development in a compliant, safe manner Export Orientation Supports export quality and documentation per global norms Safety Commitment Upholds lab and plant safety in handling explosive and hazardous materials Qualifications:  B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Explosives Technology OR B.E. / B.Tech in Chemical Engineering  6 - 8 years of experience in quality control, R&D, or technical services in an explosives or hazardous process industry  Experience with PESO regulations, UN testing protocols, and IMDG compliance preferred  Exposure to analytical instruments (e.g., viscometer, calorimeter, GC, etc.) Show more Show less