Quality Manager

Summary/Objective

Forge Nano Inc., a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coating equipment across a wide range of markets, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager.

The Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the company's Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure that products, processes, and services consistently meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements. This role oversees product, supplier, and manufacturing quality, as well as continuous improvement initiatives, supporting the reliable delivery of semiconductor equipment systems, including ALD platforms (e.g., Tephra-200 and future Tephra-300).

The Quality Manager reports to the VP of Operations and collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and service teams to support the organization's transition from R&D development to scalable operational excellence.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, SEMI standards, and customer quality requirements, applying a structured approach suited for a fast-growing organization
• Establish and maintain quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation control processes with strong attention to detail
• Lead internal and external quality audits and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory and customer standards through effective communication and leadership
• Ensure manufacturing processes meet quality, reliability, and repeatability requirements using strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Implement and manage quality control systems, including incoming inspection, in-process inspection, and final system testing
• Support Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) readiness and execution to ensure customer satisfaction and product performance
• Develop and implement supplier quality programs, including supplier qualification, audits, performance monitoring, and corrective actions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain and other teams to improve supplier quality, reliability, and overall performance
• Lead Non-Conformance (NCR) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes across the organization, driving accountability and resolution
• Conduct root cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D, Fishbone, and 5 Whys, and lead data-driven corrective and preventive actions
• Identify and implement initiatives to improve product reliability, manufacturing yield, and process capability
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering teams to support design reviews, engineering change control, and product validation and qualification
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality issues, managing complaints and field investigations with strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Support customer audits and qualification requirements
• Develop, track, and report key quality metrics, providing clear and actionable insights to leadership

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
• OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in a highly technical or regulated manufacturing
• 7--10+ years' of experience in quality management in:
• Semiconductor equipment
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Advanced manufacturing
• Aerospace or high-tech industries

Technical Skills

• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001)
• Root cause analysis
• Supplier quality management
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Failure analysis
• Engineering change management
• Reliability analysis

Preferred Certifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Certified Quality Manager (CQM)

Work Environment

Work is carried out in our large technical facility, remotely and at customer locations, often in cleanrooms and frequently with minimal physical clearance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may handle hazardous chemicals at times. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, etc. An employee in this position works in an environment in which safety, environmental and health concerns may demand constant attention. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Employees will also be subject to customer safety policies and procedures during field service visits.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear or communicate. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. Lifting of containers upwards of 50lbs will be required periodically.

Travel

Regular and frequent travel is expected for this position, with some travel on short notice. Since some international travel may also be necessary, all interested applicants must possess a current passport. Forge Nano is located in Thornton, CO. The employee is expected to reside within reasonable driving distance of the facility.

Compensation/Benefits

• This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000--$125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account and 401(k) plan with company match and additional voluntary benefits.

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.