Quality Assurance Manager

Model/Z seeks an experienced Quality Engineering Manager to oversee quality standards and procedures for modular production, ensuring units meet specifications, regulatory requirements, and company expectations, while supporting continuous improvement across production, engineering, safety, and project management. The role develops and maintains a modular-focused Quality Management System, conducts audits and inspections, monitors compliance with federal, state, and local codes, coordinates regulatory or third-party reviews, and maintains documentation for inspections and submissions. Responsibilities include overseeing material, in-process, and final inspections; estableshing acceptance criteria for structural, mechanical, electrical, and finish-out components; reviewing technical plans; analyzing quality trends and root causes; and leading corrective and preventive action initiatives using methods such as 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagrams. The manager also evaluates vendor and subcontractor quality plans and verifies compliance through audits and inspections. The manager supervises quality inspectors and technicians, trains technical and nontechnical staff, establishes performance metrics, coordinates quality expectations across departments, and reports risks and progress to leadership. The position requires at least 5 years of quality assurance or quality control experience, preferably in modular construction, manufacturing, or prefabrication; a related bachelor’s degree is preferred, and experience with ISO 9001, Lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma is a plus.

SALARY: $150,000- $165,110

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA 90059

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region.

Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and Brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) tailored for Modular processes. Conduct regular audits, inspections, and reviews during all stages of modular unit production, preparing reports of production quality and root-cause analysis of quality trends. Create and implement procedures for inspection preparedness.
• Ensure all modular building components comply with federal, state, and local building codes and industry standards (e.g., ISO, modular code requirements) and maintain documentation for regulatory submissions and inspections.  Coordinate with regulatory agencies or third-party inspectors during certification or compliance reviews. Formulate and implement new organizational quality procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory and policy changes.
• Maintain documentation related to quality control, inspections, non-conformance reports, and corrective measures, using Quality Assurance software and Microsoft Office Suite. Oversee material inspections, in-process checks, and final product testing for modular units. Establish testing protocols and acceptance criteria for structural, mechanical, electrical, and finish-out components. Analyze quality data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for process improvements.  Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives using root-cause methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram).  Review technical drawings, specifications, and building plans for compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Verify that subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams meet established quality standards, including audits and inspections of internal and external facilities.  Provide instructions to vendors and subcontractors on procedures and testing to ensure that company quality guidelines and regulatory requirements are achieved prior to and during production.  Review and approve subcontractor and vendor quality plans.
• Supervise and guide quality inspectors and technicians to implement and maintain established quality procedures.  Collaborate with engineering and production departments to streamline workflows and reduce rework.  Devise and implement performance standards and monitoring metrics for engineering and production personnel.  Facilitate training on quality procedures, standards, and best practices across the production team, including training seminars and direct instruction for both technical and nontechnical staff. Coordinate between sales and marketing teams and engineering personnel to reconcile technical quality standards with client expectations and market considerations. Foster a culture of quality accountability and continuous improvement. Work with project managers and engineers to ensure project requirements and specifications are clearly communicated and followed.
• Provide quality reports and updates to leadership, highlighting issues, risks, and progress. Communicate expert assessments of quality requirements and procedures to leadership to ensure the integration of technical systems with corporate strategy.  Coordinate with engineering and production teams to ensure that the implementation of corporate strategic goals aligns with company quality procedures and standards.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in quality assurance or quality control, ideally in modular construction, manufacturing, or prefabricated environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quality Management, or related field preferred.
• Experience with ISO 9001, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar quality framework is a plus.

Benefits

Model/Z offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At Model/Z, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.