Aerospace Quality Manager

Hytek Finishes; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Onsite health services

Job summary

Hytek Finishes in Kent, WA is seeking a Quality Manager to steward our AS9100-based QMS and drive regulatory compliance. You will lead audits, manage staff, and ensure continual improvement in a highly regulated aerospace environment.

The role reports to the VP of Engineering and Quality, offers full-time exempt status, a day shift, and a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of quality management experience in aerospace finishing.
• Experience with AS9100, Nadcap, and FAR Part 145.
• Lead auditor certification or training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain approvals, certifications, and registrations related to the Hytek QMS.
• Schedule and host onsite audits with OEMs and third-party registrars.
• Administer the corrective action system and track timely responses.
• Monitor QMS performance metrics and lead improvement plans.
• Develop personnel for potential promotions to senior leadership.

Skills

Lead auditor experience

Quality management

Auditing and compliance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or quality-related certification

Tools

Infor SyteLine

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Hytek Finishes is a trusted leader in aerospace finishing within the AS9100 and Nadcap community. We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to steward and elevate our Quality Management System (QMS). This role requires lead auditor experience and a passion for operational excellence in a highly regulated environment, with the opportunity to own a critical function in a growing aerospace organization.

Role

Title: Quality Manager
Reports to: VP of Engineering and Quality
Location: Kent, WA – onsite
Type: Exempt, Full-Time
Schedule: Monday – Friday day shift; occasional off-shift work when needed

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $115,000 – $165,000 per year. The pay range and total compensation package listed above are indicative and based on multiple factors, including experience, skillset, and internal equity. Full benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) matching, Performance Share incentive compensation, paid time off, paid community service day, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, long-term care options, 10 paid holidays, and onsite health services.

Role Overview

The Quality Manager is a critical role supporting the VP of Engineering and Quality to maintain Hytek’s QMS. You will manage staff and responsibilities related to the maintenance and management of the QMS with respect to AS9100, Nadcap, FAA Repair Station, and OEM approvals. You will establish and modify quality methods and procedures, maintain documentation to reflect the effectiveness and efficiency of department activities, and develop personnel for potential promotions to senior leadership roles.

What We Offer

• Intentional career development toward senior level leadership with structured succession planning, executive mentorship, and expanded responsibilities.
• Development of leadership and communications skills.
• Technical support from experienced staff with 20+ years in the industry.
• Accountability and ownership of department performance and improvements.
• Upward mobility to senior leadership for motivated individuals with strong critical thinking, judgment, drive, ethics, and communication skills.
• Exposure to a broad range of business processes and opportunities.
• Continuing education benefits up to $5,250 annually for coursework or continuing professional education relevant to this role.

The Ideal Candidate

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of urgency and bias for action.
• Proven ability to monitor and improve performance, with a track record of leadership.
• Comfort with ambiguity and change; able to drive short-term progress while pursuing long-term process improvements.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to provide candid, constructive feedback.

Responsibilities

Maintain approvals, certifications, and registrations related to the Hytek QMS, including:

• Schedule and host onsite audits with OEMs and third-party registrars.
• Maintain capabilities and approvals listings.
• Manage internal audits and annual audit schedules.
• Administer the corrective action system to ensure appropriate actions and timely responses.
• Monitor QMS performance metrics (e.g., Cost of Poor Quality) to identify trends and coordinate corrective plans.
• Ensure calibration system is up to date and managed, including outside calibration vendors.
• Maintain document control to ensure current revisions and applicable work instructions, processes, and procedures.
• Conduct employee performance reviews and development planning.
• Communicate with operations and value stream managers to raise awareness of quality-related issues.
• Maintain open communication with customers regarding quality concerns.
• Develop, maintain, and support quality-related training.
• Support FAA Return to Service (8130s).

Other responsibilities include:

• Support fiscal year budgeting for the team and P&L review.
• Assist in onboarding new business through review of processes and specifications.
• Lead continuous improvement and productivity initiatives for QMS processes.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of AS9100, Nadcap, and FAR Part 145 requirements.
• Understanding of processing and product quality.
• Ability to apply problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D).
• Strong computer skills with MS Office; ERP experience preferred (Infor SyteLine a plus).
• FAA Repairmen Certification a plus; internal or lead auditor training a plus.
• High integrity with ability to handle confidential information; ability to document performance issues discreetly.
• Read/Write/Communicate in English.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment 5-panel drug test.
• Must satisfy export control regulations and have authorization to work in the U.S. Non-U.S. persons require an export license to work in our facility.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or quality-related certification; 7+ years of relevant experience; aerospace manufacturing/finishing experience preferred.
• Experience leading a quality team.
• Demonstrated experience in Quality Management Systems.
• Manufacturing or aerospace industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO-9001, AC7108, aerospace finishing specs, and OEM quality requirements; ERP experience required (Infor SyteLine a plus).
• Ability to obtain Lead Auditor certification.

Mental & Physical Demands

Extensive use of hands, computer work, and office equipment. Office sitting for long periods. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. In production areas, exposure to moving parts, fumes, and chemicals; temperature variations. Safety glasses may be required in parts of the facility.

EEO Statement

Hytek Finishes is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories. M/F/Disability/Protected Vet.