Quality Operations Manager

Airbus; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc in Kinston, NC seeks a Quality Operations Manager to ensure aerospace quality and regulatory compliance across production, working to meet customer expectations. You will lead quality initiatives, drive improvements, and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to sustain product safety and reliability.

The role requires senior quality leadership with 10+ years in regulated aerospace environments, CQE/CQA certification, and travel up to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Quality Management; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of quality management experience in regulated aerospace/defense.
• CQE or CQA certification required; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with AS9100, FAA, EASA across production lifecycle.
• Lead continuous improvement via Six Sigma and Lean to reduce defects.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor Quality teams.

Skills

Quality systems

Audit practices

CAPA processes

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Quality Management

Tools

ETQ

MasterControl

SAP

Minitab

Job description

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail] Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Notice: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (English) Aviso: Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminación (Spanish) Job Description:

Job Summary

The Quality Operations Manager ensures that all manufacturing and operational processes meet stringent aerospace industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role leads quality assurance initiatives, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates across departments to maintain excellence in product safety, reliability, and compliance. This role is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and the successful closing of a transaction which will result in establishing a new Airbus Affiliate in Kinston, NC (the “Kingston Affiliate”). The Quality Operations Manager would be an employee of the Kingston Affiliate” Primary Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities

• [Quality Assurance & Compliance Oversight]: 45% Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA) and regulatory requirements throughout the production lifecycle. Conduct audits and inspections, both internal and external, to identify risks, non-conformances, and opportunities for corrective action.
• [Process Improvement & Operational Excellence]: 35% Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma, Lean, or other methodologies to optimize quality performance and reduce defects. Analyze quality metrics and trends to drive strategic decision-making and implement preventative measures across production lines.
• [Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership]: 20% Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into design, production, and sourcing processes. Train and mentor quality team members, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and ongoing development.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned: Risk Management & Root Cause Analysis
• Identify and assess quality-related risks across operations, implementing mitigation strategies to prevent impact on safety, compliance, or delivery.
• Lead root cause investigations using tools like 9S, 5 Whys, or FMEA, and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) are implemented and sustained.

Qualified Experience and Training

• Education: Required Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field. Preferred Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Experience: Required Minimum of 10 years of quality management experience in a regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment. Preferred Minimum of 10 years experience leading multi-site quality operations or working with international aerospace regulatory bodies.
• Licensure/Certifications: Required Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent ASQ certification. Preferred Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• 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: Required: Proficient in quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), audit practices, and CAPA processes. Preferred: Familiarity with enterprise quality management software (e.g., ETQ, MasterControl).
• Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities: Required Strong understanding of aerospace regulations and EASA compliance requirements. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Proven track record of driving quality improvements and sustaining compliance in a high-reliability manufacturing environment. Preferred Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, or other advanced product quality planning methodologies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across organizational levels. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams through audits, quality transformations, or certifications.
• Communication Skills: Required: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization, including operators, engineers, and executives. Preferred: Experience presenting quality performance metrics, audit findings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external regulators.
• Technical Systems Proficiency: Required: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments. 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 Operations Manager must make critical decisions regarding non-conforming materials, determine root causes of systemic issues, and recommend corrective actions that balance compliance, cost, and production timelines. Additionally, the role involves guiding strategic improvements across cross-functional teams, such as recommending process redesigns or quality system upgrades that directly impact product integrity and customer satisfaction.

Level of Decision Making

The role requires a blend of strategic and tactical decision-making, influencing long-term quality initiatives while managing day-to-day operational challenges. Decisions made by the Quality Operations 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 Exempt Reports: 20-25 # of Non-exempt Reports: 0

Job Dimensions

The Quality Operations Manager may oversee a quality-related budget and has strategic influence over cost of non-quality (CNQ), scrap, rework, and audit readiness, directly affecting operational efficiency and financial performance. This role also supports key customer relationships by ensuring compliance with contractual quality requirements and maintaining high standards that protect company reputation and enable continued business growth.

Nature of Contacts

Internal: Production, ME, Finance, HR, AOS, Workers Council External: MdB and Toulouse Airbus Operations

Physical Requirements

Onsite or remote: 90% On-site / 10% Remote 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 (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): Rarely 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, 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 the production floor. Travel: Once or twice a year able to travel independently and at short notice. Walking (include 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.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status As a leader in our field, Airbus provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. 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. NOTE: 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.

Company

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

EEO Statement

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, etc.

Employment Terms

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.

Consent

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].

Company Vision

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.

Candidate Journey

From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey.