Director of Quality

Universal Avionics • Tucson, AZ

3d

About The Position

Want to be part of a team that's leading the future of aviation? Universal Avionics seeks a Director of Quality responsible for providing leadership, guidance, oversight, and the necessary resources for the Quality organization to maintain regulatory compliance as well as the integrity of the Quality Policy and the Business Management System (BMS). Universal Avionics (UA) has been in business for over 40 years, continuously making huge strides in business, commercial, and military avionics. Our company continues to move the avionics industry forward by designing the next generation of technology as well as the latest iterations of our flagship products to ensure easier management and safety & reliability of all phases of flight. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Quality serves as the senior-most authority for the company on matters of quality and compliance with the FAA and other foreign or domestic regulatory agencies. Develop, implement, and maintain the Company’s Quality Management System in alignment with FAA regulations (e.g., FAR Parts 21 and 145) and AS9100 quality requirements. Prepare and present quality reports to senior leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies, including participation in certification audits. Analyze quality metrics, trends, and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors to foster accountability, operational excellence, and a proactive quality approach. Direct reports include the Manager of Quality for Manufacturing, the Manager of Quality for Repair, Service and the BMS, and both Quality Assurance Engineering organizations. The Director will be a leading contributor to New Product Introduction (NPI) and Technology Transfer initiatives at all levels of the repair and manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• BS or BA Degree in Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of ten years’ experience in Aviation Management related fields with a demonstrated track record of managing highly trained technical personnel is required.
• A thorough understanding of complex modern avionics systems and Part 21 & 145 FAA certification and Quality system requirements/procedures is required.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet, and possess an aptitude for learning other contact management systems and databases.
• Must be fluent in the English language and be able to communicate in a professional manner. An even temperament and courteous manner are a must.
• Ability to apply concepts of arithmetic, statistics, and failure analysis to calculate, interpret and present technical data.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to think critically to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited information exists.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with aircraft OEM quality systems/requirements strongly desired

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Quality serves as the senior-most authority for the company on matters of quality and compliance with the FAA and other foreign or domestic regulatory agencies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Company’s Quality Management System in alignment with FAA regulations (e.g., FAR Parts 21 and 145) and AS9100 quality requirements.
• Prepare and present quality reports to senior leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies, including participation in certification audits.
• Analyze quality metrics, trends, and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma and Lean methodologies.
• Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors to foster accountability, operational excellence, and a proactive quality approach.
• Direct reports include the Manager of Quality for Manufacturing, the Manager of Quality for Repair, Service and the BMS, and both Quality Assurance Engineering organizations.
• The Director will be a leading contributor to New Product Introduction (NPI) and Technology Transfer initiatives at all levels of the repair and manufacturing processes.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility starts on your first day as a full-time employee at Universal Avionics.
• Medical insurance (multiple plan options, including low-deductible PPO)
• Preventive care covered at 100%
• Affordable copays for doctor visits, urgent care, and prescriptions
• Teladoc virtual care access
• Vision coverage through VSP (includes exams, frames, and lenses)
• Dental insurance (covers preventive, basic, and major services)
• 401(k) with immediate safe harbor match (100% match on up to 4% of pay after 60 days)
• 9/80 work schedule option – every other Friday off
• Vacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidays (including a week in December)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
• Wellness programs: Vitality (earn rewards for healthy habits)
• One Pass Select (discounted access to gyms, fitness apps, and more)
• Travel assistance and employee discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and emotional wellness support: Up to 3 free counseling visits per issue/year through Reliance Matrix
• Up to 6 free counseling sessions per issue/year through Health Advocate
• Includes mental health, financial, legal, work-life, medical navigation, and life coaching support
• And more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director