Sr. Manager, Operations Quality

Location: 

Eden Prairie, MN, US

Job ID:  54796
Category:  Manufacturing & Operations

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing!

 

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.

 

The Sr. Manager, Operations Quality leads quality assurance, manufacturing quality, and operational excellence across Stratasys’ technology platform. This role ensures product quality and compliance while driving continuous improvement to boost efficiency and reduce waste. It also plays a key leadership role in promoting a culture of quality, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

 

What you will be doing:

  • Oversee quality operations for manufacturing lines, including manufacturing quality, supplier quality, and field performance
  • Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure robust process controls, in-line quality checks, and defect prevention strategies
  • Defines, specifies and drives the implementation of standards, methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision, accuracy and reliability of company products and materials sufficient to support end use manufacturing customer standards and expectations. 
  • Lead supplier quality programs including audits, qualification, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure incoming materials meet specifications
  • Manage nonconformance investigations and ensure timely implementation of containment, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
  • Ensure compliance with existing Stratasys QMS certifications and other applicable standards through internal, supply chain and external audits and document control
  • Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and quality sign-off for all [technology] products prior to release
  • Support, monitor, and respond to field quality issues and customer complaints, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure rapid resolution and customer satisfaction 
  • Align quality objectives with operational KPIs such as throughput, OEE, and cost of poor quality
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to optimize production processes and reduce variability
  • Participate in production planning, resource allocation, and operational reviews to ensure quality is embedded in daily operations
  • Drive cross-functional initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product reliability
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality engineers, technicians, and specialists across multiple sites
  • Set clear goals, provide regular performance feedback, and support career development for team members
  • Allocate resources effectively to meet project timelines, production schedules, and quality objectives
  • Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment aligned with Stratasys’ values and strategic goals
  • Represent the Quality function in cross-functional leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions
  • Performance proficiency assessment of current organization vs. benchmarks for end use manufacturing and establish a proficiency improvement plan
  • Provide work directions to the organization, communicate company expectation metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), and manage performance and improvement activities
  • Develop and manage department budget
  • Set cross-functional standards to ensure that the company’s internal and external customers are satisfied 
  • Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions using the 8D methodology and tools like FMEA, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams to drive effective corrective and preventive action activities between operations, engineering, and supply chain for product and processes
  • Lead lean, six sigma, and kaizen initiatives to improve process capabilities and reduce defects 
  • Use data analytics and quality metrics (e.g., yield, scrap, rework, customer complaints) to identify trends and improvement opportunities
  • Work closely with R&D, Operations, and Customer Support to embed quality into new product introductions and process changes 
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement through training, coaching, and engagement at all levels of the organization. 
  • Support the implementation of digital quality tools and data-driven decision-making across various technology platforms value streams
  • Follow all company safety policies and procedures 
  • Attend all required company training 
  • Demonstrate commitments to Stratasys Behaviors by leading, acting, and modeling these values
  • Other Responsibilities as assigned by the department or manager 

 

 Must have for this role:

  • Four year degree in engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality or related field
  • Product and process quality improvement experience via PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), Design and Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA, PFMEA), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Control Plans, Statistical Process Control (SPC), etc. 
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with Six-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing concepts
  • Proficient knowledge of Quality Management Control Systems and report analytics 
  • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office suite applications and tools
  • 10+ years of experience in quality operations, with a strong background in manufacturing and operational leadership 
  • Strong analytical, communication and project management skills 

 

Nice to have:

  • Manufacturing experience in an extrusion or assembly environment 
  • Has intermediate experience with leading transformational change 
  • Six-Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt 
  • Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) 
  • Experience with application of Industry 4.0 technologies to advance quality performance 

 

Travel required: 10%

 

What​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​part​ ​of:

 

Additional Information:

At Stratasys we have designed a comprehensive Total Rewards program that goes beyond the basics and supports our People First strategy. When you join Stratasys, you’ll gain access to benefits and perks that will support you and your family both inside and outside of work. 

 

For this position, the typical annual starting base salary is from $130,333 to $163,296, which does not include variable incentive pay. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. Your individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, geographical location, and/or experiences.

 

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Mental Health Resources etc.), recognition programs, employee stock purchase plan, and 401(k) with company match. 

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Stratasys will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

 

Stratasys is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected Veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against for their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, or national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.


Nearest Major Market: Minneapolis