Director, Quality

DescriptionPosition Overview The Director of Quality is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines through the development, implementation, and oversight of the quality system, including process control and verification activities. 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.Additionally, the Director of Quality leads and manages the daily operations of the quality inspection team, including receiving, in-process, and final inspection, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to company and regulatory requirements.Essential Job DutiesLead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organization’s quality system to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), customer, and contractual requirements. Establish, document, and maintain quality policies, procedures, inspection programs, and work instructions to ensure conformity to approved data, effective process control, and low defect rates. Oversee all inspection activities, including receiving, in-process, final, and First Article Inspection (FAI), ensuring adherence to regulatory and customer standards and timely closure of findings. Serve as the primary point of contact for external audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring preparedness, successful execution, and resolution of audit findings. Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address nonconformances, audit findings, and process deficiencies. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and other departments to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance product quality and reliability. Conduct Material Review Board (MRB) activities and support risk assessments to ensure appropriate disposition of nonconforming materials. Develop resource plans, including staffing, scheduling, and tooling needs, to support inspection requirements while optimizing efficiency and minimizing downtime and overtime. Prepare and manage budgets, cost estimates, and financial considerations related to quality operations and initiatives. Train and mentor production and quality personnel on quality standards, process control, and corrective action procedures. Promote and enforce company policies, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Coordinate and support strategic initiatives across departments to align quality objectives with overall business goals. Maintain flexibility to support operational demands, including extended hours as needed.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.QualificationsWhat you need: (Requirements)MinimumAssociate’s degree in Operations, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of ten (10) years of aviation industry experience in a technical role, including at least five (5) years interfacing directly with the Federal Aviation Administration on Production Approval Holder (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 (14 CFR) Parts 21, 25, 43, 45, 145, and 183, as well as ISO/AS9100 quality standards. Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, purchase orders, and certification documentation. Experience with quality systems, including continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), quality metrics, and reporting tools. Proficiency in ERP systems and standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and procedure development. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data, perform root cause analysis, and make sound decisions. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.PreferredBachelor’s degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline.Experience working with FAA Certificate Management Section (CMS), and strong working knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station regulations and their certification processes.FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.Physical Requirements Normal office environment where approximately seventy (70) percent of work is performed in a sitting position with the remaining time walking and moving around the office, stores or manufacturing areas. Subject to noises in excess of 85dB.Normal or corrected hearing. Minimum visual acuity of 20/40 corrected.Duties require typical bending, stooping, reaching, stretching, etc. with lifting typically limited to 10-20 lbs. maximum. Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.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 regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.The environmental characteristic for this position is an office and manufacturing setting.Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional manufacturing environment.AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. #LI-LL1Job Field: AdministrativeSchedule: Full-time