Quality Manager

AeroVironment, Inc.; West Valley City (UT); On-site; USD 98,432 - 139,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Quality Control responsible for assuring product quality standards and improving manufacturing processes in Salt Lake City, UT. This role involves supervising inspections, driving corrective actions, and facilitating communication across departments.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, at least 8 years of relevant experience, and expertise in quality standards and methodologies such as DMAIC and lean manufacturing. An excellent benefits package is offered, including medical and 401(k) with company matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience.
• Knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, AS9102 standards required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Receiving and Final Inspectors, Quality Technicians.
• Conduct internal audit activities related to quality management systems.
• Implement and manage inspection and quality plans.

Skills

DMAIC

FMEA

PPAP

Statistical process control (SPC)

Lean manufacturing methodologies

Mechanical inspection methods

MS Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Dimensional inspection measurement systems

Job description

Training Travel Requirement

This role requires weekly travel from Salt Lake City, UT to Simi Valley, CA for training during the first three months of employment. Training occurs Monday through Friday, three weeks per month. Travel, lodging, meals, and ground transportation will be provided. After the training period, the position is based in Salt Lake City, UT.

Summary

The Manager, Quality Control is responsible for assuring products meet acceptable quality standards. In this role, one ensures that production and manufacturing lines perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communication between management and production departments. The Manager develops ways to improve the manufacturing processes to ensure higher-quality goods.

Position Responsibilities

• Supervise Receiving and Final Inspectors, Quality Technicians, and provide guidance.
• Support Quality Assurance in driving corrective actions and failure analysis in a timely manner.
• Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and manage final inspection activities.
• Implement inspection and quality plans and ensure product acceptance criteria reflect the customer's definition of fitness for use.
• Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing.
• Review specifications and procedures for products or processes, and train staff to use them.
• Set the requirements for raw materials from suppliers and monitor their compliance.
• Inspect the final output, compare it to the requirements, and approve or reject the final products.
• Obtain feedback from the clients, attend meetings, submit reports, and assist external auditors and inspectors.
• Drive trend improvements on the internal and external quality in support of strategic business objectives.
• Work on issues of diverse scope where analysis of situation or data requires evaluation of a variety of factors, including an understanding of current business trends.
• Follow processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Provide guidance to subordinates within the latitude of established company policies.
• Recommend changes to policies and establish procedures that affect the immediate organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience and strong understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, statistical process control (SPC), Gage R&R studies, and lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, AS9102 standards and audits.
• Proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and their application for the inspection of complex products – full understanding of ASMEY14.5 (GD&T).
• Expertise in mechanical inspection methods.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Demonstrates leadership and initiative to work efficiently and streamline processes.
• Fully understands one’s specialization and uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues creatively and effectively.
• Communicates with customers and suppliers to resolve process gaps and applies specified requirements cost‑effectively.
• Manages the collection, compilation, and analysis of data (using appropriate Six Sigma methods and techniques) to provide to the Quality Assurance team as required.
• Reduces internal and external DPPM (scrap and rework) and improves on‑time delivery both internally and at suppliers.
• Strong written and verbal communication, analytical, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision‑making style based on the situation.
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals while delivering value back to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and creating a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others cope with change.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and manufacturing 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).

Clearance Level

No clearance required.

Salary Range

$98,432 – $139,650.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology is covered. A "U.S. person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green‑card holder), or a protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our benefits, visit http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and 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.