Quality Manager

Stark Aerospace; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Aerospace is seeking a Quality Management Lead located in Columbus, Mississippi. This role involves leading and mentoring a quality management team, driving quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with industry standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001.

The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in a similar role, with strong analytical and communication skills. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required, and certifications in quality management are preferred.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of quality management experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading quality teams.
• Experience with industry standards like AS9100, ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Lead the quality management team to meet quality standards.
• Develop and manage the quality management system (QMS).
• Drive process optimization and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Root Cause Analysis

Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Job description

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management: Lead and mentor the quality management team to ensure adherence to quality standards, performance metrics, and organizational goals. Provide guidance and support to foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.
• Quality Assurance Oversight: Develop, implement, and manage the company’s quality management system (QMS), ensuring compliance with industry standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.) and customer requirements. Oversee the development of inspection plans, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives for process optimization and improvement, focusing on reducing defects, enhancing product reliability, and increasing operational efficiency. Lead root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and non-conformance management.
• Customer Relations and Satisfaction: Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related issues with customers, addressing concerns and resolving any discrepancies in a timely and effective manner.
• Auditing and Compliance: Ensure all activities align with regulatory and compliance standards. Manage internal and external audits, customer inspections, and surveillance visits. Ensure quality metrics are consistently met or exceeded.
• Training and Development: Provide quality training to team members, ensuring all employees are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to uphold the highest quality standards.
• Reporting and Metrics: Prepare and present regular quality performance reports to the Senior Director of Quality and other senior leadership teams, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs), trends, and improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 8-10 years of quality management experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of leading teams and driving quality initiatives. Prior experience managing a team of quality professionals is essential.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), Six Sigma, or equivalent quality certifications are preferred.
• Skills and Competencies: Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Expertise in quality management systems (QMS) and industry standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands‑on approach to addressing quality issues.
• Proficient in statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment while maintaining a strong focus on quality.

Additional Requirements

• Experience with aerospace-specific quality certifications and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to drive quality performance improvements within complex manufacturing processes.
• High level of attention to detail and strong focus on process excellence.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites or customer locations, if required.