Quality Assurance (QA) Audit Team Lead

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace is seeking a Quality Assurance Audit Team Lead to spearhead compliance audits and enhance quality processes. This pivotal role involves guiding a team of auditors, developing comprehensive audit schedules, and ensuring adherence to airworthiness regulations and industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a passion for quality management in aviation. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and excellence, where your contributions will directly impact the quality and safety of aviation operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a respected organization.

Benefits

Health & Safety Programs

Inclusive Work Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of auditing experience, including quality audits based on AS9100 standards.
• Experience leading a QA team and preparing detailed audit reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA audit team operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Prepare audit reports and drive initiatives for QA process improvements.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Technical Document Understanding

Microsoft Office

Statistical Techniques

Education

Quality Lead Auditor Certification

AME License or Aerospace-related Training

5+ Years in Auditing

2+ Years Leading QA Teams

Tools

Enterprise Resource Planning Software

Visual Manufacturing

IFS

SharePoint

Job description

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 1,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

The Quality Assurance (QA) Audit Team Lead is accountable for leading a team of auditors in the conduct of Quality Assurance audits of all DHC certificate holders. They are responsible for assuring that certificate holders are compliant with applicable regulations as well as AS9100 requirements in support of maintaining their respective operating certificates. The QA Audit Team Lead is a champion of continuous improvement who facilitates the completion of corrective action plans with process owners, as findings are raised. The QA Audit Lead is a highly motivated individual with a passion for Quality Management in Aviation that uses their strong leadership and interpersonal skills to run a world class QA Audit program at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the QA audit team, providing guidance, support, and coaching to team members.
• Create and implement a comprehensive master audit schedule and audit plans to assess compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations, and where applicable the AS9100 standard.
• Perform a portion of scheduled audits in the master audit schedule.
• Prepare detailed audit reports, highlighting key findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on quality standards and audit outcomes.
• Drive initiatives to improve QA processes, methodologies, and tools. Identify best practices and incorporate them into the internal audit processes. In support of continuous improvement, responsible for the company's root cause and corrective action system. Provides training and guidance to users based on documented procedures and work instructions.
• Assure that certificate holders comply with applicable airworthiness regulations in support of maintaining their respective Operating Certificates.
• Through the execution of the audit program, identify hazards and risks to the Safety Management System.
• When required, serve as the primary contact with TCCA or foreign airworthiness authorities during the conduct of external surveillance audits, as well as responding to any external findings.
• Set goals and objectives for the QA audit program and be accountable meeting those goals and objectives. Monitor and measure QA auditing performance, based on external audit results and feedback, overall effectiveness, and document results.
• Assure that the QA auditor's training program covers all the mandatory requirements for an internal auditor.
• Prepare an annual budget for the Corporate Audit program cost center, including provision of funds for any travel required by the audit team.
• Provide a monthly and quarterly executive report with internal and external audit results applicable to this organization.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Quality Management.
• Ability to travel audit other sites / operations.

Education & Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in auditing, including planning and developing checklists, hosting audit meetings, preparing reports. Experience should include experience performing quality audits based on airworthiness regulations and industry standards (AS9100, AS9110, or ISO9001).
• Minimum 2 years' experience leading a team, preferably a QA Audit team.
• Quality Lead Auditor or QA auditor certification.
• AME license, or training in an aerospace-related program is considered an asset. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered, including military experience.
• Experience with Enterprise or Material Resource Planning software (i.e., Visual Manufacturing or IFS) is an asset.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage conflicts.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently with minimum supervision and direction.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand technical documents, regulations, and industry standards.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Previous experience with SharePoint is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and data analysis and preparing executive reports.

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.