QC/QA Head - Rail & Defense Manufacturing

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic QC/QA Head to lead the Quality Control & Quality Assurance function at our Rail and Defense manufacturing unit. In this role, you will ensure compliance with stringent standards including RDSO, ISO, and defense requirements while driving continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. You will lead a team of quality professionals, manage inspections, audits, and vendor quality systems, and be responsible for maintaining the highest levels of quality in production.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Quality Leadership

• Develop, implement, and monitor the plant-wide Quality Management System (QMS) to align with industry standards.
  
• Define and review Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs), inspection plans, SOPs, and quality benchmarks for all product lines.
  
• Ensure effective deployment of industry best practices and lead quality strategies to drive process optimization.
  

Inspection & Compliance Oversight

• Supervise incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities for fabricated, welded, and machined components.
  
• Ensure strict adherence to quality standards outlined by RITES, TPI, RDSO, DGQA, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
  
• Possess working knowledge of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and other advanced measurement tools.
  

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the QC/QA team to ensure strong discipline in documentation, inspections, and reporting.
  
• Allocate responsibilities, evaluate team performance, and provide guidance on resolving complex quality-related issues.
  
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement within the team.
  

Vendor & Supplier Quality

• Establish and maintain supplier quality systems to ensure quality control across the supply chain.
  
• Conduct vendor audits, capability assessments, and review material certifications to ensure vendor compliance with quality norms.
  
• Approve vendor processes and ensure quality standards are adhered to at every stage of the supply process.
  

Non-Conformance & CAPA Management

• Oversee Non-Conformance Report (NCR) management, root-cause analysis (RCA), and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  
• Lead efforts to drive process improvements to minimize defects, rework, and customer complaints.
  
• Ensure timely and effective resolution of quality issues to maintain production flow.
  

Audit & Customer Interaction

• Lead internal audits and coordinate preparation for external audits from agencies like RDSO, DGQA, OEMs, and third-party inspectors.
  
• Serve as the primary quality representative to customers, government inspectors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparent communication and adherence to compliance standards.
  

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain complete and accurate quality documentation, including inspection reports, calibration logs, test records, PPAP, and traceability.
  
• Regularly report quality performance metrics to plant leadership and provide insights on areas for improvement.
  

Process & System Improvement

• Implement Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality consistency.
  
• Utilize modern quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, and control plans to continuously monitor and improve processes.
  

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  
• Proven experience (10 - 18 years) in a senior QC/QA leadership role in Rail and Defense manufacturing.
  
• Deep knowledge of quality standards such as RDSO, ISO, DGQA, and others relevant to the rail/defense sector.
  
• Strong understanding of inspection, testing, and measurement techniques, including proficiency with CMM.
  
• Expertise in root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA, and non-conformance management.
  
• Ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement.
  
• Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Six Sigma.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers, regulatory bodies, and vendors.

Other criteria- Working knowledge of CMM and Rites (for compliance), preferable.