Quality Lead

Job Title: Quality Lead

This opportunity is with one of Gardner Standard's portfolio companies, Shadin Avionics, located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Shadin Avionics is a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of advanced avionics and aircraft electronic systems serving the Aerospace & Defense industry. With a long-standing reputation for innovation, quality, and technical excellence, Shadin continues to grow through the development of next-generation fuel management and aircraft data solutions.

Position Overview

Shadin Avionics is seeking an experienced Quality Lead to oversee and strengthen the company's Quality Assurance function across manufacturing, engineering, and repair station operations. This individual will play a critical leadership role in maintaining regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing quality systems, and ensuring the highest levels of product integrity and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Assurance Department and establish quality objectives aligned with company goals.
• Maintain and improve the company's FAA-approved Manufacturing Inspection System and authorized release processes.
• Manage the FAA Part 145 Repair Station Inspection System.
• Oversee Engineering Document Management and Configuration Management systems.
• Champion quality, regulatory, and environmental compliance programs throughout the organization.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, and Continuous Improvement teams to drive operational excellence and quality improvements.
• Monitor and report key quality metrics, including nonconformance trends, quality costs, scrap, and rework.
• Serve as the primary representative during customer, supplier, regulatory, and certification audits.
• Manage internal audit programs, corrective action processes, and quality system compliance.
• Identify training needs, establish quality training standards, and monitor effectiveness.
• Interface directly with customers and suppliers to resolve quality-related concerns.
• Provide leadership and oversight to quality technicians and support staff.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent combination of technical education and industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of quality leadership experience within the aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, aerospace quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience with ISO 9000, AS9100, and aerospace quality standards.
• Previous experience with FAA certifications, DMIR, DER, or DAR credentials is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ITAR export compliance requirements is a plus.
• Strong customer-facing skills and experience managing supplier quality relationships.
• Proven ability to lead audits, corrective action programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Why Join Shadin Avionics?

• Join a growing aerospace technology company with a strong reputation in the avionics industry.
• Play a key leadership role in maintaining and advancing world-class quality systems.
• Work alongside engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership teams in a highly collaborative environment.
• Be part of an organization that values integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, PTO, and more.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Location: Eden Prairie (Minneapolis), Minnesota

Work Arrangement: On-site position (not remote)

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person