Quality Management and Improvement Internal Auditor

AeroVironment, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Regular-employee Internal Auditor to perform quality management systems audits across AV locations.

You will lead the interpretation of aerospace standards (AS9100D) and ISO 9001:2015, train staff, and drive corrective actions with process owners. The role requires a strong background in defense quality standards, ITAR compliance, and lead auditor experience, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or related technical field; master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance in defense/aerospace.
• Strong background in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME on standards interpretation for AV staff and external audit resources.
• Communicate, train, and coordinate improvement of QMS policies, processes and procedures.
• Perform periodic audits and engage process owners to identify QMS risks and compliance.
• Engage leadership in corrective and preventive action responses and timelines.
• Plan and implement auditing activities and participate in continuous improvement.
• Provide governance to ensure programs operate within the QMS framework.
• Maintain problem reporting and CAPA systems for non-conformances.
• Lead RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

AS9100 / ISO 9001

ITAR compliance

CMMI

QA management

Leadership without authority

DoD requirements

Auditing / RCCA

Regulatory affairs

Lean Six Sigma

Quality engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or related technical field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Minitab

SPC/QMS platforms

PLM

ERP systems

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

The Quality Management and Improvement Internal Auditor is responsible for performing quality management systems audits (product, process, or systems) at several AV locations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide technical subject matter expertise on the interpretation and usage of standards with AV staff and external audit resources (i.e. 3 party registrars and customers).
• Communicates, trains, and coordinates improvement of QMS policies, processes, and procedures.
• Perform periodic audits and engage process owners and resources to identify quality management system risks and compliance with Aerospace standards (i.e. AS9100D) and international standards (i.e. ISO 9001:2015).
• Engages process owners and leadership in the management and timeliness of corrective and preventive action responses.
• Engages process owners and leadership in the planning and implementation of auditing activities and participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Provides governance and oversight to ensure programs are executed within the QMS framework.
• Maintains problem reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances (or findings) to the QMS.
• Leads RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance within the defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• CPA/CIA or other certification preferred.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Proven leadership experience managing auditing, compliance teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with government contracts, DoD requirements, and working with regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Lean-Six-Sigma and other Continuous Improvement skills.
• Proficiency with quality tools/software (e.g., Minitab, SPC/QMS platforms, PLM, ERP systems).
• Preferred Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM); Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt; Project Management Professional (PMP); Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100/ISO 9001.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Strong background in QMS implementation and risk mitigation strategies.
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one’s own interests.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office or home office environment (Constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required. May be required to travel within the Continental U.S and / or abroad. Clearance Level: No Clearance.

Salary

The salary range for this role is: $80,500 - $123,000. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR 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 § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

Company Culture & About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you’re ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.