Head of Quality

Franklin Craft; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal employment opportunities

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Quality Manager responsible for ensuring quality in new product development and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10-15 years of experience in manufacturing, preferably aerospace. Duties include managing cross-functional quality teams, implementing quality management systems, and maintaining compliance with FAA regulations. This role is pivotal in driving continuous improvement within the organization.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years’ experience as a Quality Manager in a manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Experience managing a team and multi-site management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality coaching to staff to enhance skills.
• Manage cross-functional teams in quality management.
• Implement and maintain a quality management system.

Skills

Quality improvement

Communication

Problem-solving

Manufacturing process controls

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Job description

As the Quality leader, you will be responsible for supporting quality requirements for new product development activities, customer quality approvals, production support, and continuous process improvement efforts, ensuring continued certification to AS9100 Rev. D, ISO9001, applicable FAA Regulations, and Department of Defense (DOD) Regulations.

In this role you will also function as the primary liaison for various customers to resolve quality issues, ensure appropriate flow down of quality requirements, enable positive communication channels, and maintain customer satisfaction through an effective corrective/preventive action system for internal and external problems.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Provide quality coaching to staff, peers, associates, and management team, thereby enhancing their skills in efficient execution of procedures to drive improved customer satisfaction.
• Identify problem & root cause resolution of production line work stoppages to support customer on‐time deliveries.
• Manage cross‑functional teams in quality management/operational excellence in a high‑volume and diversified manufacturing environment; develop, maintain and continuously improve BU level quality metrics.
• Represent Quality Engineering on new product development teams and smoothly transition new designs into production.
• Support business unit financial objectives through management of the Cost of Non‑Conformances (Scrap/Warranty).
• Communicate with customers and government quality representatives (FAA & DCMA) on quality issues; form positive/productive customer/FAA/DCMA relationships based on data and continual improvement.
• Perform contract reviews for customers/products by reviewing customer purchase orders, product/quality specifications and any other documentation to ensure delivered products meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Implement and maintain a quality management system (QMS) by flowing down customer/government quality clauses & requirements into internal procedures, i.e., a sustainable QMS that supports Business Unit objectives via ISO 9001/AS 9100 certifications.
• Review Engineering Orders and participate in new design product/design review to ensure quality requirements are identified and captured in appropriate documentation.
• Develop, prepare and implement Quality Program Plans for new and existing customers and products.
• Ensure FAA Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative (DMIR) services are available at all division locations.
• Coordinate customer evaluations for reported product failures or other complaints and assist in corrective action.
• Participate in MRB activities, provide guidance with customer MRB requirements and assist in root cause / corrective action.
• Coordinate internal quality audits and report status of QMS compliance to management.
• Participate on cross‑functional teams to implement Operational Excellence Initiatives (6 Sigma, Continuous Flow Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, etc.) in any manufacturing shop.
• Provide status of internal and external corrective actions, ensure responses are adequate to prevent recurrence of nonconformance and report progress to management.
• Manage supplier assessment, qualification and performance of supplier base, including on‑site audits and monitoring receiving inspection performance; manage/interact with suppliers/distributors on quality issues.

Required Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 10–15 years’ experience as a Quality Manager in a manufacturing environment; aerospace manufacturing environment is preferred (knowledge of FAA 14CFR Part 21 and FAA 14 CFR Part 145 requirements).
• Must have experience managing a team of direct reports; multi‑site management experience and/or international management experience a plus.
• Prior FAA DMIR training/certification, as well as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience are a plus.
• Proven experience in leading quality improvement and change management.
• Proven team player who has demonstrated excellent communication, interpersonal skills, well‑developed problem‑solving skills, manufacturing process controls, solid organizational skills, and the ability to be self‑directed and effectively relate to all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multi‑task and meet deadlines.
• The right person will be ambitious and flexible who wants to learn and grow professionally.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.