A Director of Quality Assurance oversees and directs the overall operations of quality assurance within a company to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.
Director of Quality Aerospace Tooling and Parts Position Summary The Director of Quality is responsible for leading and overseeing all quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory compliance activities for aerospace tooling and manufactured parts. This role ensures products meet customer, regulatory (FAA/EASA), and industry standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP), while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The Director of Quality partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership to maintain product integrity, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Leadership & Strategy Develop and execute the company's quality strategy aligned with business objectives. Lead the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 and applicable aerospace standards. Establish quality metrics, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms to monitor performance. Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization. Regulatory & Compliance Ensure compliance with ITAR, and other applicable aerospace regulations. Maintain AS9100 certification and manage external audits (customers, regulatory bodies, registrars). Oversee NADCAP accreditation processes where applicable. Quality Operations Oversee inspection, testing, calibration, and metrology functions. Ensure robust internal audit programs and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) systems. Lead root cause analysis and resolution of nonconformances using structured methodologies (8D, RCCA, FMEA, SPC). Monitor supplier quality performance and collaborate with Supply Chain on supplier development initiatives. Tooling & Manufacturing Quality Oversee first article inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102. Ensure production part approval processes (PPAP where applicable) are effectively implemented. Validate special processes and ensure adherence to aerospace process controls. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop the quality team. Build organizational capability in problem-solving, risk management, and compliance. Manage departmental budget and resource planning. Customer & Executive Engagement Present quality performance metrics to executive leadership. Interface directly with aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 customers on quality matters. Lead customer audits, quality escapes investigations, and recovery plans when required.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field (Master's preferred).
Experience:
10+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in aerospace manufacturing or tooling. Strong knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, NADCAP, and aerospace regulatory requirements. Experience with composite, metallic, or precision tooling manufacturing preferred. Proven experience managing customer and regulatory audits. Certifications (Preferred): Lead Auditor certification (AS9100) Key Competencies Strategic leadership Regulatory expertise Root cause & risk analysis Continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) Executive communication Supplier quality management Change management
Pay:
$150,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
