Director, Quality

Director, Quality (18310) AAR Corp. is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company. The Director of Quality is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines through the development, implementation, and oversight of the quality system. This role oversees all aspects of quality control related to manufacturing processes, materials, and finished products, while maintaining established product appearance and performance standards through effective inspection protocols. The Director also leads and manages the daily operations of the quality inspection team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to company and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include: Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization’s quality system to meet FAA, customer, and contractual requirements. Establish, document, and maintain quality policies, procedures, inspection programs, and work instructions to ensure conformity to approved data and low defect rates. Oversee all inspection activities – receiving, in-process, final, and First Article Inspection – ensuring timely closure of findings. Serve as primary contact for external audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring preparedness and resolution of findings. Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions. Collaborate with engineering, production, and other departments to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance product quality. Conduct Material Review Board activities and support risk assessments. Develop resource plans, including staffing, scheduling, and tooling needs. Prepare and manage budgets and cost estimates related to quality operations. Train and mentor production and quality personnel. Promote and enforce company policies and a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Coordinate strategic initiatives across departments. Maintain flexibility to support operational demands, including extended hours when needed. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Qualifications Minimum: Associate’s degree in Operations, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience. FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. Minimum of ten (10) years of aviation industry experience in a technical role, including at least five (5) years interfacing directly with the FAA on PAH systems and Part 145 Repair Station requirements. At least five (5) years of leadership experience with demonstrated success in management and team supervision. Strong working knowledge of FAR Parts 21, 25, 43, 45, 145, and 183, and ISO/AS9100 quality standards. Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, purchase orders, and certification documentation. Experience with quality systems, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma), quality metrics, and reporting tools. Proficiency in ERP systems and standard business software (Microsoft Office Suite). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline. Experience working with FAA Certificate Management Section (CMS) and strong knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station regulations. Physical Requirements Normal office environment where approximately seventy (70) percent of work is performed sitting; remaining time involves walking, moving around the office, stores, or manufacturing areas. Subject to noises in excess of 85dB. Requires normal or corrected hearing and visual acuity of 20/40 corrected. Duties may involve bending, stooping, reaching, stretching, lifting typically limited to 10–20 lbs. maximum. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility. Environmental characteristics: office and manufacturing setting. Candidates should adapt to a traditional manufacturing environment. AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws throughout the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr AAR Corp