Quality Manager (Aerospace Manufacturing)

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading and maintaining the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, FAA, EASA, NADCAP, and customer-specific aerospace requirements. This role ensures product conformity, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction within a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.

The Quality Manager provides strategic leadership across Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Inspection, and Continuous Improvement functions while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System (QMS)

• Maintain and improve the AS9100-compliant Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, ITAR, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits (customer, registrar, regulatory).
• Serve as primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and certification bodies.
• Manage document control, change management, and quality records retention.

Product Quality & Compliance

• Oversee inspection, testing, and release of aerospace components and assemblies.
• Ensure First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 requirements.
• Review and approve corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, RCCA).
• Ensure nonconforming material control and disposition (MRB participation).

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Interface with customers on quality performance, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manage customer complaints and drive timely resolution.
• Oversee supplier quality performance and approval processes.
• Support supplier audits and quality development initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Technicians.
• Establish departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Provide training on quality standards, regulatory requirements, and procedures.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and risk-based thinking initiatives.
• Monitor quality metrics (PPM, scrap, rework, COPQ, on-time delivery impact).
• Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies (FMEA).
• Support operational excellence and cost reduction initiatives.

Reporting & Metrics

• Present quality performance reports to executive leadership.
• Track and analyze trends in defects, escapes, and audit findings.
• Maintain quality dashboards and compliance metrics.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 7–10+ years of quality experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 standards.
• Experience with FAA Part 21/145 regulations (as applicable).
• NADCAP experience preferred.
• Experience in machining, fabrication, composites, or precision manufacturing preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM)
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Lead Auditor certification (AS9100)