Manager, Quality

FDH Aero; Naugatuck (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k matching

FSA access

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

FDH Aero in Connecticut is seeking a Manager, Quality to lead a dedicated quality team and drive continuous improvement across supplier and customer interfaces. You will ensure AS9100/ISO 9001 processes, manage audits, and maintain a strong quality culture that delivers first‑time‑right performance.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and EHS to reduce defects, meet regulatory requirements, and lead the site’s quality transformation with data‑driven actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Site Leadership experience in Quality Assurance, preferably aerospace/manufacturing.
• Proficient with MS Office and quality tools.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 QMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead site quality strategy, objectives, and reviews.
• Maintain AS9100/ISO9001 procedures and records.
• Coordinate third‑party and internal audits; close nonconformities.
• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections; ensure traceability.
• Manage nonconforming material and MRB processes; drive CAPA.
• Lead RCCA with structured problem solving and containment.
• Own customer complaint/return investigations and trend analysis.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain on supplier quality and certifications.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

MS Office

AS9100 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Who Are We?

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain partner for aerospace and defense companies, providing end-to-end supply chain solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers. With more than 55+ years of experience and operations in 14 countries, we bring expertise across Commercial, Defense, Space, Business Aviation and Cargo through our specialized business divisions, Electronics, Hardware, Commercial Aftermarket, and Defense Aftermarket. For more information, please visit the FDH Aero website.

Why Work Here?

• Fast-paced & Impactful Work - Every decision helps keep aircraft flying and missions moving
• Driven Team & Culture - Supportive, driven colleagues who support you every step of the way
• High-Growth Opportunities - We invest in your success with training and development
• Competitive Benefits Package - Includes medical, dental, vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401k matching, wellness activities and more

At FDH Aero, we understand that the strength of our brand comes from our people, and our culture empowers every team member to contribute and grow. As a global team, our culture is rooted in five (5) core values that begin with the words We are and include: service-first, respectful, amplifiers, open-minded and accountable.

We Are Looking For

The Manager, Quality will lead a dedicated quality team and will foster strong supplier and customer relationships, ensuring adherence to industry standards. This role leads the site quality team, ensures disciplined execution of AS9100/ISO 9001 processes within the unified FDHE QMS/eQMS, and drives continuous improvement for manufacturing and/or value-add operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented leader with extensive experience in aerospace quality processes, systems, and is capable of driving continuous improvement and maintaining operational excellence. The site manager partners with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and EHS to achieve first-time-right performance, reduce defects, and meet customer and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Site Quality Leadership: Serve as the facility’s Quality leader. Own quality strategy, objectives, and management review cadence. Lead, coach, and develop the site quality team; set objectives and run daily/weekly/monthly tier reviews. Ensure policy deployment and visual management across the floor.
• QMS Ownership (AS9100/ISO 9001): Maintain compliant and current procedures and improve documented processes, procedures, work instructions, and records. Ensure effective document change control (travelers, test methods, inspection plans), risk-based thinking, and records traceability/ change management.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness: Plan and host third-party certification audits, customer audits, and internal audits. Lead closure of nonconformities and preventive actions; track CAR/PAR effectiveness.
• Inspection & Test: Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection for manufacturing operations. Ensure appropriate sampling plans, workmanship standards (e.g., IPC where applicable), test coverage, and traceability.
• Material Review & Disposition: Manage nonconforming product, rework/repair approvals, and quarantine controls. Own DMR/NCM processes; chair or support MRB per delegation. Ensure quarantine controls, rework/repair approvals, and reduction of customer escapes and internal PPM.
• Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA): Lead structured problem solving (5-Way, Fishbone, 8D). Drive on-time, effective containment and corrective actions; verify and validate outcomes.
• Customer Quality: Own customer complaint/return (RMA) investigation, trend analysis, and communications.
• Supplier Quality Interface: Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality on incoming quality, supplier CARs, certifications/CoCs, counterfeit parts prevention (e.g., AS5553/AS6174), and supplier performance.
• Process & Product Validation: Ensure process qualifications, FAI/PPAP as required, capability studies (CP/CPK), DQR, and control plan adherence for critical characteristics.
• Measurement Systems & Calibration: Maintain asset register, 100% on-time calibration, and appropriate MSA where applicable, gauge R&R,
• Data & Reporting: Own site quality dashboard (FPY, PPM, DPPM, CAR aging, audit findings, OTTR/OTD impacts, scrap/rework, RMA, COPQ, CA OTD). Utilize SPC and statistical methods to drive decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion Lean/Six Sigma projects targeting flow, waste elimination, and mistake-proofing; facilitate kaizens and 5S audits.
• Training & Culture: Build quality capability across the site (workmanship, ESD, FOD/FOE, inspection techniques, QMS awareness). Coach leaders and associates on right-first-time behaviors.
• Regulatory & Export Awareness: Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory, customer, and contractual requirements (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness for controlled items, shelf-life controls, storage conditions).
• People Leadership: Recruit, develop, schedule, and performance-manage a team of quality professionals across shifts; build succession and engagement.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related fields required
• Site Leadership experience in Quality Assurance, preferably within the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
• In-depth understanding and knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 Quality Management Systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• ITAR Requirement
• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A U.S. person according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR

Job Type: Full Time

FDH Aero is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.