Quality Engineer Manager

Airbus; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc. seeks a Quality Engineering Manager to lead cross-functional quality initiatives across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain. You will drive process improvements, mentor QA teams, and ensure compliance with AS9100/NADCAP standards to uphold aviation manufacturing quality.

You will oversee audits, oversee quality systems, and collaborate with global sites to implement robust practices. Strong leadership and strategic execution are essential.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience: 9+ years in aviation quality with AS9100/NADCAP exposure.
• Leadership: proven coaching and project leadership in complex environments.
• Certifications: PM and quality management training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional quality improvement projects across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain.
• Maintain AS9100 and NADCAP audit readiness and compliance.
• Mentor QEs and QTAs; drive practical problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Oversee quality processes, QMS implementation, and data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with global Airbus sites to harmonize quality systems.
• Manage risk, escalations, and governance for quality initiatives.

Skills

Quality management

Aviation

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Communication

QMS software

MS Office / Google Suite

SAP

MES systems

Minitab

JMP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation or Quality Assurance

Tools

SAP

MES

QMS

Minitab

JMP

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized aviation Quality engineering leader to join the Quality team. This role will be critical in continuously improving cross-functional processes that drive product quality. The ideal candidate will be a Quality leader and technical expert who is passionate about leading change, process implementation, manufacturing and operational excellence. This role is responsible for defining and organizing Quality improvement and compliance projects in order to secure our manufacturing environment and ensure our aircraft are manufactured in accordance with international standards, regulatory requirements, and internal processes.

Your Responsibilities Include:

• Problem Solving and Process Optimization: You'll support, lead, verify, and implement cross-departmental Quality improvement projects. This includes identifying recurring problems (both Airbus- and supplier-caused), initiating escalations, and developing and implementing risk mitigation measures (Manage Practical Problem Solving approach)
• Manage: QSR, SARI, Events and NOEs Technical Training:- Provide technical training to all QEs and QTAs to complete the Quality Engineering scope of work
• Special Process Qualification:- Manage special process qualification throughout the Kinston sites and sustain.
• AS9100 and NADCAP Audit Compliance- Facilitate Kinston site to manage and monitor the certifications.
• Technical Expertise and Reporting: You'll contribute your technical and professional expertise for process and product quality improvements.
• Oversee QEs and QTAs daily activities and performance to decrease non-conformance and support rate enablement.
• Process and Policy Implementation: You'll lead the efforts to evolve our systems and processes and implement the resulting process improvements across the site.
• Collaborating Across Functions: Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into production and sourcing processes.
• Collaborating Across the Globe: Communicate with cadrean, Montair, FAL (Toulouse) and as needed with the Airlines for product improvement, safety and development.
• Leading Projects: Propose and implement a Project Structure and Governance model to secure short term deliveries and create a solid long term foundation.

Qualified Experience and Training

• Education: Required Bachelors Engineering degree with 5 years experience of industrial experience in Aviation Industry or High School Diploma or equivalency with minimum 9 year of industrial experience in Aviation Industry
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation or Quality Assurance.
• Experience: Required Experience with Airbus Quality systems and requirements and 9S/8D methodology. Coaching/mentoring aviation personnel in roles, responsibilities and systems addressing process requirements and improvements. Experience in auditing and compliance (AS9100, NADCAP, etc).
• Preferred 15 years experience in project management, quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing operations, manufacturing engineering / methods, or a similar role in aviation or other manufacturing environments.
• Licensure/Certifications: Required Training certifications in project management, quality management, aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
• Travel Required: Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic and/or international customers or suppliers.
• Citizenship: Eligible for employment in the US.
• Clearance: None.

Qualified Skills

• Familiarity with enterprise quality management software.
• Proficient with Quality Management tools and software.
• Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities: Required Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of aviation Quality Management Systems, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience in managing operational projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong demonstrated capabilities with project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interaction with internal teams through all levels of the organization and functions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• High degree of flexibility and initiative.
• Communication Skills: Required: Effective verbal and written communication skills, specifically in English, which is required for operating in a multicultural and multifunctional environment.
• Excellent people and stakeholder relationship management.
• Technical Systems Proficiency: Required: Proficient in Project Management tools, Manufacturing tools (MES) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments.
• Proficient and self-reliant in MS Office and Google Suite.
• Preferred: Experience with aerospace-specific tools such as SAP, MES systems, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).

Complexity of the Role

This role requires sound judgment in navigating complex regulatory requirements, quality standards, and operational constraints unique to the aerospace industry. The Quality Engineering Manager must make critical decisions regarding process conformity and suitability of requested/ needed improvements to the quality management system, and recommend improvements that balance compliance, cost, and production timelines. Leadership of Quality Engineering Team and resolution of daily issues and follow up with appropriate assignments.

Level of Decision Making

The role requires a blend of strategic and tactical decision-making and team guidance, influencing short/long-term quality initiatives while managing day-to-day operational challenges. Decisions made by the Quality Engineering Manager directly impact product compliance, production efficiency, and the organization’s ability to meet critical aerospace regulatory and customer requirements.

Organizational information: Refer to the Quality Org chart. Direct Reports: Is this a people manager? Yes # of Reports: 3 to 10

Job Dimensions

The Quality Engineering Manager will lead development, implementation and sustainment of key tactical and strategic projects. These projects will require collaboration across all functions within the site as well as other sites across the Airbus enterprise. Development and training of Quality Engineering team members. Support key customer relationships by ensuring compliance with contractual quality requirements and maintaining high standards that protect company reputation and enable continued business growth. Directly in charge of generating, submitting and monitoring Notices of Escape, SARIs and Events.

Nature of Contacts

Internal: Production, ME, Engineering, AOS, Tooling, Maintenance and Security. External: Airbus Atlantic in Cadrean and Montoir and Prestwick Aerosystems.

Physical Requirements

Onsite or remote: On-site.

Vision: Daily able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings.

Hearing: Daily able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms.

Speaking: Daily able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications.

Equipment Operation: Daily (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts.

Carrying: Weekly able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.

Lifting: Weekly able to lift documents, tools, drawings and electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.

Pushing / Pulling: Several times a month able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools.

Sitting: Daily able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer.

Squatting / Kneeling: Daily able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.

Standing: Daily able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.

Travel: Once or twice a year, able to travel independently and at short notice.

Walking (including routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): Daily able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment required:

Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site. Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company: Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc Employment Type: US - Direct Hire Experience Level: Professional Remote Type: On-site Job Family: Quality Assurance ------ ------

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail]. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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