Director, Quality

Airbus•Columbus, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Airbus Helicopters is seeking a Site Quality Director to lead the site-level Quality Management System and daily operational quality across its Columbus, Mississippi manufacturing and assembly operations. Reporting to the VP of Quality, the role provides leadership for aviation safety, manufacturing excellence, and compliance with FAA, EASA, TCCA, and AS9100 requirements. The director leads quality professionals supporting logistics, assembly, component repair, and final aircraft conformity, and works across engineering, regulatory bodies, and frontline operations to align local practices with global Airbus standards and foster a “First Time Right” culture. The position oversees regulatory certifications, inspection and audit programs, quality governance, risk reduction, corrective action, continuous improvement, personnel development, departmental budgeting, and quality performance metrics. It also coordinates with international Airbus Helicopters facilities and collaborates with engineering, certification, operations, and program management on production, new product introduction, and delivery priorities. The role is onsite in Columbus, MS, except when traveling, with approximately 15% domestic and international travel. The position requires a U.S. Person under the ITAR definition. Physical requirements include regular work in office and production areas, use of required personal protective equipment, and the ability to carry and lift items up to 30 pounds. Candidates progressing to the interview stage or requesting it may receive a full job description.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, aviation, industrial engineering, an engineering-related field, or equivalent experience (four years).
At least 10 years of aerospace/aviation industry, military, or quality experience.
At least three years in a civilian and/or military leadership role.
Ability to support multiple areas, including repair station, manufacturing, composites, electrical/avionics backshop, warehousing/logistics, dynamic component repair, blades, and tail boom.
Knowledge of FAA Regulations 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, and 145, as well as related Transport Canada and EASA requirements.
Knowledge of AS9100 quality requirements and systems.
Knowledge of aircraft design, maintenance, manufacturing processes, and build cycles.
Experience or proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access), Onbase, Orion eTechPub, Adobe Acrobat, SAP, Smartsheet, G Suite, OCE/ARAS/Bflow, and T.I.P.I.
Must be a U.S. Person under the ITAR definition: U.S. citizen, green card holder, or person covered under the company’s existing ITAR license.
Able to meet the stated physical requirements, including working in office and production areas, using required PPE, and carrying and lifting items up to 30 pounds.
Able to travel independently and at short notice; travel is 15% or less annually.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a field described in the education requirement.
12 years of aerospace/aviation industry, military, or quality experience.
A&P License.
ASQ or CMQ certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain, uphold, and expand site compliance with FAA, EASA, and TCCA repair station and production certificates, certified personnel, and AS9100 QMS credentials.
Administer the site Quality Management System and collaborate with the Executive Committee to incorporate quality objectives into business planning.
Supervise and enforce inspection standards across supply chain, logistics, receiving, in-process assembly, quality gates, and final aircraft conformity.
Identify and eliminate operational and airworthiness risks to protect flight safety, business continuity, delivery schedules, and operating costs.
Manage, mentor, and evaluate quality supervisors, engineers, and inspectors, including career progression, staffing, and technical competence.
Implement and track enterprise Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP) metrics, including non-conformances, process capability, and customer complaints.
Direct departmental budgeting, financial forecasts, cost-variance analysis, and allocation of capital for measurement tools, calibration, and ergonomic work environments.
Lead practical problem solving, Plan-Do-Check-Act, and root cause and corrective action workflows to resolve manufacturing anomalies and prevent recurrence.
Coordinate with international Airbus Helicopters facilities to standardize quality procedures, digital architectures, and enterprise systems.
Promote a proactive safety culture, “First Time Right” execution, and a “Speak Up / Listen Up” mindset across shifts and departments.
Lead preparation, execution, and reporting for internal, regulatory, and customer audits, and ensure corrective-action milestones are closed.
Partner with design engineering and certification teams on new product development, configuration integrity, obsolescence management, and manufacturing build cycles.
Lead continuous improvement, Lean, and Kaizen initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and Cost of Non-Quality and improve delivery reliability.
Coordinate with operations and program management to balance inspection staffing and shift priorities with flightline and customer delivery schedules.
Develop and fund onboarding and recurrent training programs covering aviation safety, specialized processes, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

Competitive base salary and incentive compensation, which may include profit-sharing schemes.
Retirement savings plan and ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Paid time off, including personal time and holidays.
Paid parental leave program.
Medical insurance, including traditional and high-deductible health plans.
Prescription coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
Upskilling and development opportunities through global Leadership University, including access to more than 10,000 e-learning courses.
Opportunities for certifications, career-path development, accelerated development programs, and national and international mobility.