Director, Quality

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry.  We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

The Director of Quality will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of quality assurance and control for products and processes within a liquid nitrogen pump manufacturing environment. This role involves developing, implementing, and continually improving the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. The successful candidate will foster a culture of quality, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve the highest levels of product excellence and operational efficiency. 

• Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership: Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the company's QMS, ensuring compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific regulations.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Oversee the entire product lifecycle to ensure compliance with specifications and standards, from design and manufacturing to testing and delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to relevant regulatory requirements including OSHA, EHS and other applicable standards related to the manufacturing and handling of liquid nitrogen pumps.
• Supplier Quality Management: Partner with the supply chain and purchasing departments to establish and manage supplier quality programs, including on-site audits and evaluations to ensure high-quality incoming materials and components.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor a team of quality professionals, fostering a culture of teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize tools and methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to drive process improvements, troubleshooting quality issues, and enhance manufacturing capability and performance.
• Audits and Investigations: Manage internal and external audits of the QMS and processes. Report non-conformances, assigns, and follow up on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze and report on quality metrics, trends, and performance to identify areas for improvement and ensure effective management reviews.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, and EHS to ensure quality protocols are established and monitored throughout the product lifecycle. 

• Sound mathematical and technical skills.
• Good investigative and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to think logically and methodically.
• Good interpersonal skills and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills combined with the ability to delegate.
• Decision making ability coupled with the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Knowledge of statistical packages and Microsoft Office systems normally required.
• Proficient in the use of measuring equipment, Faro Arm, Calipers, Micrometers, Height Gage
• Dimensional inspection experience of machined components.
• Previous exposure to a machine shop, foundry or sheet metal shop.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Quality System auditing and reporting experience.
• In depth working knowledge of ISO 9001 standard.  Familiar with ISO 14001 and 45001 desired.
• Understanding of standard manufacturing and safety compliance processes.

 Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related technical field.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of Quality Management Systems and methodologies (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, Lean).
• ASQ certification is strongly preferred.
• Experience in process safety management and ISO 45001/14001 is a plus.
• Experience with cryogenic systems and related challenges, such as maintaining precise temperature controls, managing thermal stress, and material compatibility at low temperatures, is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and negotiation skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate a team. 

Environmental Safety Requirements:

• New Employee Safety Training is required by all newly hired employees, including Safety Awareness
• All safety related training is provided and tracked by the EH&S Technician
• Job specific training modules deemed necessary by employee’s Manager or Director will be required of all employees on an ongoing basis
• Employees are required to wear Nikkiso provided PPE as/when needed. PPEs include, face coverings, safety shoes, safety glasses, face shields, FR clothing, cryogenic gloves, cryogenic apron, cut resistant gloves, safety gloves, hearing protection, hard hats & dust masks. Failure to comply with Nikkiso CEIG safety requirements will result in disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, may be accepted.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.

Salary: $120,000 - $175,000

Nikkiso is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.