Job Description

Goex Industries, a subsidiary of Estes Energetics, is the last remaining commercial-scale black powder manufacturer in the United States, serving competitive and recreational shooters, re-enactors, muzzleloading hunters, fireworks manufacturers, and the U.S. Military. As part of Estes Energetics, we are more than a black powder company, we are an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether performing research into energetic materials or standing up American-made production, you can count on us to find a solution. Join our team and make a difference by carrying forward a legacy of American innovation, craftsmanship, and impact that continues to shape the future.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Quality Manager to lead and oversee our Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 standards. This role is critical in ensuring the highest levels of product quality and safety in the design, development, and manufacturing of black powder. The Quality Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems, managing audits, and leading continuous improvement initiatives in a high-reliability, high-compliance commercial and defense environment.

Essential Functions

• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement in quality and safety
• Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports to build organizational capability
• Lead the implementation, and continuous improvement of an ISO 9100 compliant Quality Management System.
• Serve as a primary liaison for customer, regulatory, and third-party quality audits, understanding customer needs and oversight requirements.
• Lead supplier quality management programs and ensure external partners meet all applicable specifications and standards.
• Oversee quality operations for black powder manufacturing, monitoring and evaluating internal production processes, examining products to determine their quality is in accordance with governing specification and Goex standard.
• Determine analytical tests needed, perform and oversee performance of analytical tests, assess effectiveness of changes made, and ensure quality assurance, data tracking and COA generation for customers.
• Establish and maintain documentation of data, analytical test procedures, and equipment calibration service and certificates.
• Ensure that current specifications, quality assurance requirements and analytical procedures are being used.
• Hire for and train personnel in quality procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Manage internal audits, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality and plant issues to drive performance improvements.
• Establish and maintain statistical quality control (SQC) systems to ensure laboratory data integrity, including round robin testing, proficiency checks, and control charting to verify technician accuracy and method reliability.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key quality performance metrics (e.g., yield, defect rates, nonconformances, customer and supplier scores).
• Create Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and other work instructions.
• Develop and manage the MRB (Material Review Board) and nonconformance resolution processes.
• Ensure compliance with data integrity standards for quality records
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Logistics, Engineering, Safety, and Compliance to embed quality into all phases of the product lifecycle, spanning short-term development projects and long-term manufacturing programs.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, ATF, LSP, DOT and OSHA regulations, particularly regarding the manufacture and storage, handling and transport of explosive materials.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive quality experience as a quality leader in a regulated, manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience developing and managing ISO 9001 programs.
• Strong knowledge of energetic materials production processes.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as Minitab, with demonstrated ability to apply statistical tools for process analysis, control charting, and data-driven decision-making
• Proficient in auditing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean/Six Sigma).
• Familiar with regulatory and safety standards applicable to explosive and hazardous chemical manufacturing.
• Proven ability to communicate, present, and influence effectively across all organizational levels, including executive leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain explosives handling clearance (if not already held).

Desired

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering or related technical field.
• ISO 9100 Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership experience.
• ISO 9100 Quality Audit certification
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Experience working with MIL-STD, DoD and/or NASA, and DOT quality requirements.
• Experience interpreting DoD product requirements and writing DoD proposals.

Soft Skills and Leadership Traits

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution
• Excellent written and verbal skills tailored to executives, regulators, and operators.

Work Environment

The work will be primarily in office, manufacturing, and explosives storage environments. Some time may be spent working with chemicals and explosives.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching.
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and energetic materials.
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location.

Travel

0-10%, particularly to the Penrose, CO area.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position.

Benefits

Estes Energetics/Goex maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match with vesting at 30 days
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy
• 9 Paid Holidays

Work Authorization

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program

Estes Energetics/Goex provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: 

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.

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