Aerospace Quality Manager

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Position Overview: The Quality Manager leads the quality function for a multisite defense/aerospace manufacturing operation and reports to the site General Manager. This role sets quality strategy, ensures compliance with AS9100 and applicable NADCAP requirements, drives continuous improvement to reduce the cost of poor quality (COPQ), and serves as the primary point of contact for customer and supplier quality matters. The Quality Manager leads a team of Quality Engineers, Inspectors, CMM technicians and programmers, and partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production Control to support business objectives throughout the site. This role requires daily on-site presence at our manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Strategy & Continuous Improvement: Set and execute the strategic direction for the Quality department. Develop initiatives to reduce the cost of poor quality (COPQ).Partner with Engineering to reduce the rate of nonconformance reports (NCRs).Set the tactical direction for the Quality Engineering and Inspection team. Lead customer quality problem-solving using FMEA, 8D, and SPC methodologies. Apply lean tools and statistical analysis to reduce overall inspection burden.

Quality Systems & Department Administration: Assign duties, schedule work hours and overtime for quality team, and manage recruiting, hiring, performance reviews, and discipline within the Quality department. Ensure compliance with all customer requirements company-wide. Maintain AS9100 certification and applicable NADCAP requirements. Review KPI performance data; identify and implement improvement actions.

Customer & Supplier Management: Serve as primary contact for customer complaints, escapes, and returns through resolution. Communicate with customers via secure online portals, including concession requests, audits, and RCCA responses with objective evidence. Maintain customer records and metrics for on-time delivery (OTD) and quality. Monitor supplier performance on quality and delivery; Coordinate supplier quality audits to verify capability and compliance. Lead supplier NCR resolution and root cause corrective action (RCCA) correspondence. Review purchase order requirements and approve flow-down into supplier templates. Provide suppliers with performance feedback and identify improvement opportunities.

Inspection Operations: Direct and coordinate all inspection activities across the site. Improve first-article turnaround time; track team performance for accountability. Direct creation of detailed inspection plans, data collection sheets, and first-piece sheets. Audit inspection reports daily with the quality team. Coordinate with Production Control on job prioritization. Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineering to develop CMM programs for production parts. Own the CMM program database and CMM inspection activities. Monitor and continuously improve department procedures, policies, and objectives.

Material Review Board (MRB) & Corrective Action: Facilitate root cause corrective action (RCCA) for nonconformances. Identify continual improvement opportunities to prevent recurrence. Participate in Corrective Action Board meetings and internal NCR reviews on a regular basis. Contract ReviewReview customer purchase order and contract requirements for quality specifications and requirements. Review new product introductions, revision changes, and specification updates for requirement impacts. Flow down requirements into production documents, including job travelers and supplier purchase orders.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Systems Management, or equivalent experience. Minimum 10 years managing a Quality department in a defense/aerospace environment. In-depth knowledge of precision metal machining and special processes. Solid understanding of and experience with Quality Management Systems. Proven leadership and team management capability. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience with AS9100 audits (Rev. D), ITAR/EAR compliance, and FAA requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience developing and executing zero-defect plans to reduce COPQ.Working knowledge of PDCA methodology and RCCA tools (5 Whys, 8D).Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR due to work with export-controlled technical data.

Physical Requirements: This role is based in a manufacturing facility and requires regular movement between production floor, inspection, and office areas across a four-building site. Standard PPE is required in designated areas. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day) in both office and a manufacturing environment Must be able to lift and carry items such as inspection tools, documents, or small parts weighing up to 25 lbs Visual Acuity: Near acuity and accommodation as required for reading MOT, blue prints, machine dial gauges, and precision measuring instruments used in the inspection of parts. Must tolerate exposure to machining dust, oils, and moderate noise levels in a manufacturing environmentTHE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION REFLECTS THE GENERAL DETAILS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO DESCRIBE THE PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB IDENTIFIED. IT IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A DETAILED SUMMARY OF ALL THE WORK REQUIREMENTS THAT MAY BE INHERENT IN THE JOB, AND MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME.