Quality Manager (Aerospace Manufacturing)

Confidential Jobs; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Jobs seeks a Quality Manager to lead and maintain the Quality Management System in compliance with AS9100 and other aerospace standards. This role entails oversight of quality assurance, control, and continuous improvement in a precise manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, with a focus on regulatory compliance and quality metrics. A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field is required, along with significant leadership experience.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of quality experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 standards.
• Experience with FAA Part 21/145 regulations (as applicable).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the AS9100-compliant Quality Management System.
• Lead internal/external audits and manage document control.
• Oversee inspection, testing, and release of aerospace components.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and risk-based thinking initiatives.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Continuous Improvement

Regulatory Compliance

AS9100 Knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Education

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

Job description

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading and maintaining the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, FAA, EASA, NADCAP, and customer-specific aerospace requirements. This role ensures product conformity, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction within a precision aerospace manufacturing environment.

The Quality Manager provides strategic leadership across Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Inspection, and Continuous Improvement functions while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System (QMS)

• Maintain and improve the AS9100-compliant Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, ITAR, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits (customer, registrar, regulatory).
• Serve as primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and certification bodies.
• Manage document control, change management, and quality records retention.

Product Quality & Compliance

• Oversee inspection, testing, and release of aerospace components and assemblies.
• Ensure First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 requirements.
• Review and approve corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, RCCA).
• Ensure nonconforming material control and disposition (MRB participation).
• Interface with customers on quality performance, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manage customer complaints and drive timely resolution.
• Oversee supplier quality performance and approval processes.
• Support supplier audits and quality development initiatives.
• Lead and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Technicians.
• Establish departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Provide training on quality standards, regulatory requirements, and procedures.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and risk-based thinking initiatives.
• Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies (FMEA).
• Support operational excellence and cost reduction initiatives.

Reporting & Metrics

• Present quality performance reports to executive leadership.
• Track and analyze trends in defects, escapes, and audit findings.
• Maintain quality dashboards and compliance metrics.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field required.

Experience

• 7–10+ years of quality experience in aerospace manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 standards.
• Experience with FAA Part 21/145 regulations (as applicable).
• NADCAP experience preferred.
• Experience in machining, fabrication, composites, or precision manufacturing preferred.