Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Rodrigo Ayala

Corona,USA

Summary

Results-driven Quality Manager, Hands-On Production Supervisor, and Supplier Quality Engineer with 12 years of manufacturing experience across Aerospace, Defense, and CM/EMS environments. Expert in developing, implementing, and maintaining AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems that strengthen compliance, reduce defects, and improve first-pass yield. Proven success leading risk assessments, Lean initiatives, Six Sigma projects, and 5S programs that deliver measurable cost savings, operational efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction. Experienced in ITAR, NADCAP, and DFARS requirements with a strong track record supporting aerospace/defense customers. Adept at workflow optimization, KPI performance monitoring, supplier quality management, and cross-functional collaboration to consistently deliver high-quality products on time. Recognized Certified Trainer supporting company certification to AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015. Known for a floor-focused leadership style, building engaged, high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement across operations.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Suppliers Quality Engineer (Aerospace, Defense)

Regal Technology Partners
Santa Ana, CA
01.2026 - 04.2026
  • Direct overall compliance to AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, DFARS, and customer-specific requirements across PCB, sheet metal, machined parts, and other cost-critical components. Oversee approval and governance of supplier documentation including FAI/AS9102, PPAP, control plans, process flows, inspection reports, and material certifications.
  • Ensure supplier adherence to IPC-A-600/610, soldering standards, plating specifications, and special-process controls. Lead on-site and remote process, product, and system audits for PCB manufacturers, metal fabricators, and high-risk suppliers. Conduct supplier assessments capability to evaluate supplier readiness and long-term viability. Manage supplier scorecards and drive KPI improvements in OTD, Quality Delivery. Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies with suppliers to reduce scrap, rework, and production defects. Identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities in PCB stack-ups, metal fabrication processes, plating/finishing, and material selection. Lead structured problem-solving using 5-Why, containment, verification, and CAPA methodologies; validate corrective actions through audits, capability checks, and production trials. Ensure timely closure of NCRs, SCARs, and customer-driven corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain incoming inspection criteria, sampling plans, and inspection methods for PCB and metal components.
  • Provide technical guidance to inspectors on solder joint quality, plating defects, dimensional issues, and cosmetic standards. Lead MRB activities and disposition of non-conforming material.
  • Led quality assurance initiatives, enhancing product compliance with industry standards.
  • Developed and implemented testing protocols to identify defects and improve product reliability.
  • Streamlined quality control processes, reducing inspection times while maintaining accuracy.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for defects, driving effective corrective actions across teams.
  • Improved customer satisfaction levels with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions.
  • Implemented process improvements based on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in reduced waste and increased efficiency.
  • Facilitated training sessions for team members on quality management principles and best practices, enhancing overall competency levels within the department.
  • Improved supplier reliability with thorough assessment and feedback mechanisms, fostering stronger partnerships.

Quality Assurance Manager

Bromar Engineering
Placentia, CA
03.2025 - 11.2025
  • Lead a 15-person production team and oversee product development, inspections, and testing across all manufacturing stages to ensure full conformity with engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implement corrective and preventive actions, and optimize manufacturing processes to reduce defects, improve throughput, and strengthen operational efficiency.
  • Ensure strict compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, NADCAP, DFARS, and customer-specific requirements through disciplined process control and documentation management. Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality to align quality objectives with business goals and support seamless product flow.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and the Quality Management System (QMS) to support certification and audit readiness. Establish and manage quality control systems, oversee inspections, analyze quality data, and lead improvement projects focused on compliance, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Maintain and update the Quality Manual System, ensuring alignment with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal best practices. Conduct detailed product and process inspections to identify defects, deviations, and improvement opportunities, ensuring timely containment and corrective action. Lead, train, and mentor Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams, strengthening technical capability, inspection accuracy, and adherence to quality standards.
  • Review customer feedback, complaints, and returns to identify systemic issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
  • Developed and implemented quality assurance protocols to enhance product reliability.
  • Led cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues effectively.
  • Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Mentored junior QA staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to integrate quality metrics into production workflows.
  • Established training programs on best practices for quality management systems across departments.
  • Managed supplier relationships, enforcing strict standards for incoming materials and components to preserve product integrity and minimize rejections.

Production Supervisor

Core Linen Services
La Mirada, CA
04.2022 - 03.2025
  • Led and developed a team of 35+ union production employees in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring consistent performance, discipline, and teamwork. Established, enforced, and audited OSHA-compliant safety protocols, strengthening the safety culture and reducing workplace risks.
  • Implemented targeted process improvements that increased overall productivity by 10%, improving throughput and operational efficiency. Supervised daily production operations, assigned tasks, monitored workflow, and ensured strict adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements. Monitored equipment performance, coordinated repairs, and minimized downtime through proactive communication with maintenance teams. Enforced quality, safety, and sanitation regulations, conducted routine safety inspections, and ensured compliance with company and regulatory standards. Maintained accurate production records, generated daily/weekly reports, and communicated key metrics and issues to management and cross-functional departments. Directed production teams to consistently meet quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction targets while upholding company policies. Ensured all employees maintained a safe, clean, and organized work area, reinforcing 5S and housekeeping standards. Collaborated with the Operations Manager to identify improvement opportunities, streamline workflows, and sustain operational excellence. Adjusted work methods, staffing, and procedures to meet changing production demands and schedule requirements. Managed and approved overtime, vacation requests, and staffing adjustments to maintain adequate coverage and meet production goals. Coached and mentored employees in continuous improvement, problem-solving, and performance expectations. Monitored productivity metrics, posted daily results, and provided coaching, corrective action, and performance feedback as needed.
  • Reported operational issues, bottlenecks, and quality concerns to the Operations Manager or Production Manager to ensure timely resolution, including issues specific to laundry operations.
  • Supervised production operations to ensure adherence to quality standards and operational efficiency.
  • Coordinated workflow between departments to optimize resource allocation and minimize downtime.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced waste across production lines.
  • Mentored team members on safety protocols, best practices, and equipment usage for improved performance.
  • Developed training programs for new hires, fostering skill development and enhancing team capability.
  • Led cross-functional meetings to address production challenges, driving collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
  • Managed team of 45 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
  • Managed team of 45 production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.

Quality Control Coordinator Supervisor

A&J Manufacturing
Foothill Ranch, CA
04.2017 - 04.2023
  • Led a team of 2 Quality Inspectors, overseeing inspections, data analysis, and procedure execution to ensure product conformity; maintained the calibration system to support measurement accuracy and product integrity across manufacturing operations. Ensured compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, NADCAP, DFARS, and customer-specific requirements by enforcing disciplined processes, documentation control, and audit readiness.
  • Developed, implemented, and sustained the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards, improving process consistency, traceability, and certification performance. Trained employees on newly implemented AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 processes, strengthening organizational understanding of requirements, documentation, and quality expectations.
  • Monitored and reported QMS objectives and KPIs, analyzing trends to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. Managed the Corrective Action System, including nonconforming product control, root cause analysis, customer complaint resolution, and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Led internal and external audits, preparing documentation, coordinating audit activities, and ensuring timely closure of findings to maintain compliance and customer confidence. Audited key operational processes, including fire extinguisher inspections, employee feedback logs, preventive maintenance records, job traveler final reviews, and customer PO requirement verification to ensure process discipline and risk mitigation.
  • Developed and implemented quality control procedures to ensure product compliance with industry standards.
  • Trained staff on quality assurance protocols, fostering adherence to safety regulations and best practices.
  • Conducted regular audits of production processes, identifying areas for improvement and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, implementing corrective actions promptly.
  • Led initiatives to streamline quality inspection workflows, resulting in improved throughput and reduced defects.
  • Mentored junior quality control staff, promoting knowledge sharing and skills development across the team.
  • Spearheaded continuous improvement projects, aligning quality objectives with organizational goals for optimal performance.
  • Managed internal audits to assess compliance with ISO standards, ensuring consistent adherence to quality requirements.

Education

High School Diploma -

Katella High School
Anaheim, California
06.1995

DSQR Certificate -

UTC Aerospace Systems
California
06.2015

AS9100D & ISO9001 Certificate -

Key Management Consulting
Foothill Ranch, CA
10.2019

Management Certificate Program -

North Orange County Community College
Anaheim, CA
06.2022

Six Sigma White Belt Certificate -

Aveta Business Institute
California, PA
10.2022

Skills

  • High attention to detail and data accuracy
  • SOP development
  • Materials review
  • Attention to detail
  • Quality processes
  • Quality improvement plans
  • Quality management system
  • Team leadership
  • Corrective and preventive actions
  • Quality documentation
  • Materials inspection
  • Quality training development
  • ISO 9000 standards

Management Training Certificate

AS9100D / ISO 9001:2015 Lead Training Cert

Six Sigma White Belt Certified

Excellent Communication Skills (verbal, written, active listening)

ITAR, NADCAP, and DFARS Compliance Exp

Leadership & Problem-Solving Expertise

12 Years of Supervisor & Management Exp

Strong Organizational & Planning Skills

Contracts Review & Production Planning Exp

Documentation & Record Keeping Exp

5S Continuous Improvement Experiences

Union Employees Experience

Proficiency Quality Management Systems

Excellent Customer Service Skills

Blueprints, Drawings understanding

Bilingual (Spanish and English)

12 years’ Forklift experience

12 years Shipping & Receiving Experience

High attention to detail and data accuracy

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Suppliers Quality Engineer (Aerospace, Defense)

Regal Technology Partners
01.2026 - 04.2026

Quality Assurance Manager

Bromar Engineering
03.2025 - 11.2025

Production Supervisor

Core Linen Services
04.2022 - 03.2025

Quality Control Coordinator Supervisor

A&J Manufacturing
04.2017 - 04.2023

High School Diploma -

Katella High School

DSQR Certificate -

UTC Aerospace Systems

AS9100D & ISO9001 Certificate -

Key Management Consulting

Management Certificate Program -

North Orange County Community College

Six Sigma White Belt Certificate -

Aveta Business Institute
Rodrigo Ayala