Quality Engineer

Kaleidoscope Innovation; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is looking for a Quality Engineering Manager specializing in aerospace structures. You will lead a team to ensure product and process compliance with industry standards like AS9100 and FAA, manage structural quality activities, and drive continuous improvement efforts. The ideal candidate should have 10+ years of aerospace experience and a Bachelor's degree in an engineering field. This role is office-based in Wichita, Kansas and offers significant opportunities for leadership in quality assurance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience required.
• Strong understanding of AS9100, FAA Part 21 and structural conformity requirements.
• Experience leading QE teams or complex cross-functional quality initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a QE team focused on aircraft structural components.
• Ensure product and process compliance with AS9100 and FAA/EASA requirements.
• Oversee FAI, structural inspection planning, and NDI/NDT coordination.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for structural defects.
• Partner with Design Engineering on structural qualification and risk mitigation.
• Track quality performance metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Aerospace structures expertise

Quality Engineering team leadership

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

Quality Engineering (QE) Manager – Aerospace Structures

We are seeking a Quality Engineering Manager with deep experience in aerospace structures to lead quality activities across metallic and composite airframe components. This role manages a team of QEs supporting design, production, and supplier operations to ensure structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and flawless execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a QE team focused on aircraft structural components (fuselage, wings, empennage, composite assemblies).
• Ensure product and process compliance with AS9100, FAA/EASA structural requirements, and customer standards.
• Oversee FAI, structural inspection planning, NDI/NDT coordination, material certification, and special process controls.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions related to structural defects, nonconformances, fatigue/damage tolerance issues, and manufacturing escapes.
• Partner with Design Engineering on structural qualification, test planning, DFM/A, and risk mitigation (FMEA, PFMEA).
• Track quality performance metrics (scrap, rework, structural defects, MRB trends) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier quality for metallics, composites, machining, fabrication, and bonded assemblies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering field.
• 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of AS9100, FAA Part 21 and structural conformity requirements.
• Experience leading QE teams or complex cross‑functional quality initiatives.

Preferred

• ASQ CQE/CQA or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Familiarity with MRB processes and digital QMS/PLM tools.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for extended period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Moderate lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment
• Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate response
• Additional Physical Requirements: file, speak, write, listen, read, type, understand
• Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret

Environment

• Work typically performed in an office setting.