Quality Manager

Quality Manager - Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

The Quality Manager is a leadership role. This position ensures compliance with stringent industry regulations, drives continuous improvement in product quality and processes, and leads cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and enhance operational excellence. The role demands deep expertise in quality assurance, regulatory standards, and strategic planning to support mission-critical manufacturing of aerospace components, defense systems, and related technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development : Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing quality team, including quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors; conduct talent development, performance evaluations, and succession planning to foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight : Ensure full adherence to aerospace and corrective action processes to maintain compliance and avoid non-conformances.
• Supplier Quality Management : Oversee supplier qualification, audits, and performance monitoring; develop supplier quality agreements and implement risk-based strategies to ensure incoming materials meet rigorous specifications.
• Process Improvement and Risk Management : Lead root cause analysis (e.g., using 8D, Fishbone), implement lean quality tools (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen), and conduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify and mitigate quality risks across the production lifecycle.
• Quality Metrics and Reporting : Establish and track key quality indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, first-pass yield, and customer satisfaction; prepare executive reports, dashboards, and presentations to inform strategic decisions.
• Product Inspection and Testing : Direct inspection protocols, non-destructive testing (NDT), and validation processes for aerospace and defense products; collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues in real-time.
• Customer and Stakeholder Engagement : Serve as the primary quality liaison for customers, government agencies, and partners; address quality concerns, manage corrective actions, and support contract reviews to ensure deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
• Training and Documentation : Develop and deliver quality training programs for employees; maintain accurate documentation, including quality manuals, procedures, and records, to support traceability and audit readiness.
• Innovation and Strategic Planning : Contribute to long-term quality strategies, including adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., AI-driven inspection, digital twins); align quality initiatives with business growth objectives in a highly regulated sector.
• Crisis Response : Lead investigations into quality escapes, recalls, or field failures; develop and execute contingency plans to minimize impact on operations and reputation.

Scope of Work

• Departmental Oversight : Comprehensive leadership of the quality department, encompassing quality assurance, control, and engineering functions; integration with manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, and program management teams.
• Geographic/Functional Reach : Manages quality operations across [e.g., multiple manufacturing sites, including domestic and international facilities]; involves oversight of classified and unclassified projects in aerospace (e.g., aircraft components) and defense (e.g., munitions, avionics).
• Scale and Impact : Directs quality efforts for high-stakes production supporting [e.g., multi-million-dollar contracts, high-volume precision manufacturing, or critical national security programs], with influence on compliance certifications, cost avoidance through defect reduction, and overall organizational risk profile.
• Reporting Structure : Reports directly to the [e.g., General Manager and collaborates with executive leadership, program managers, and external auditors/regulators.
• Tools and Systems : Utilizes quality management software (e.g., IQMS, MasterControl), statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab), ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and industry-specific platforms for compliance tracking and data analytics.
• Travel and Flexibility : Requires travel to supplier sites, customer facilities, or regulatory audits (up to 25%); involves on-call availability for quality emergencies and adaptability to secure environments with potential shift work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (Master's or advanced certification preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality leadership within aerospace and/or defense manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a director-level role.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace/defense standards (AS9100, ITAR, FAA Part 21/145); proven track record in leading successful audits and quality transformations.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills; expertise in lean/six sigma methodologies and risk management.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance may be necessary due to defense-related work.