Senior Quality Manager (Aerospace)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve our Quality Management System (QMS) within a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements while driving quality excellence across manufacturing, supplier management, inspection, auditing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with a strong background in aerospace quality systems, regulatory compliance, and team development. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and customers to ensure the highest standards of product quality, process control, and operational performance.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $150,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management Systems & Compliance

• Lead, maintain, and continually improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.

Audits & Corrective Actions

• Plan, conduct, and oversee internal and external audits.
• Manage corrective and preventive action (CAPA) programs and ensure timely resolution of findings.
• Analyze audit results, identify trends, and implement process improvements.
• Support customer and supplier quality investigations as required.

Quality Operations

• Oversee inspection and quality control activities for incoming materials, in-process production, outside processing, and final product acceptance.
• Ensure all products and accompanying documentation meet engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements prior to shipment.
• Manage nonconformance reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Support Engineering Investigation Reports and product quality investigations.

Supplier Quality Management

• Maintain and manage the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Oversee supplier qualification, evaluation, and audit programs.
• Track supplier performance metrics and manage supplier corrective actions.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality performance and reduce nonconformances.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop quality personnel, including inspectors and quality engineers.
• Establish departmental goals, metrics, and performance expectations.
• Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to support employee development.
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive initiatives to improve product quality, process capability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Utilize quality tools and methodologies, including SPC, MSA, Gage R&R, PFMEA, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA).
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Monitor key quality metrics and implement action plans to achieve quality objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of quality leadership experience within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience managing and maintaining AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Proven experience leading internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace quality standards, compliance requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing supplier quality programs and corrective action systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.

Preferred

• Experience in electrical and mechanical assembly manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations and FAR Part 21 requirements.
• Experience with PPAPs, PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, and Control Plans.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with aircraft components, testing, teardown analysis, and failure investigations.
• ASQ certifications such as Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), CQE, or CQA.

Technical Competencies

• AS9100 Rev D
• ISO 9001
• SPC (Statistical Process Control)
• MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis)
• Gage R&R
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
• PFMEA
• Supplier Quality Management
• Audit Management
• Quality Metrics and Data Analysis
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to walk production floors and perform visual inspections as needed.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform duties requiring close attention to detail and visual accuracy.

Export Compliance Requirements

Due to applicable U.S. export control regulations, candidates must be authorized to access export-controlled information and comply with all applicable federal regulations. Authorization status will be verified as part of the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, qualifications, and merit.