Quality Engineer Manager

Airbus•Kinston, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented aviation quality engineering leader to drive cross-functional process improvements and product quality. The role is responsible for organizing quality improvement and compliance projects to support a secure manufacturing environment and ensure aircraft are produced in accordance with international standards, regulatory requirements, and internal processes. The manager leads the Quality Engineering team, guides daily work and performance, and makes strategic and tactical decisions affecting product compliance, production efficiency, and customer and regulatory requirements. The position oversees quality initiatives and systems, including QSR, SARI, Events, and Notices of Escape; technical training for Quality Engineers and Quality Technical Assistants; special process qualification across the Kinston sites; and site compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP certifications. The role collaborates with site functions and other Airbus locations, as well as customers and suppliers, to improve products, safety, and processes. It also supports customer relationships by ensuring contractual quality requirements are met, and develops and sustains tactical and strategic projects and team training. This is an on-site, direct-hire position. Travel of up to 5% to domestic or international customers or suppliers may be required. The position requires routine interaction with office and production environments and use of required site personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and at least 5 years of industrial experience in the aviation industry, or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 9 years of industrial experience in the aviation industry.
Experience with Airbus Quality systems and requirements and the 9S/8D methodology.
Experience coaching or mentoring aviation personnel on roles, responsibilities, systems, process requirements, and improvements.
Experience in auditing and compliance, including AS9100 and NADCAP or similar standards.
Training certifications in project management, quality management, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong knowledge of aviation Quality Management Systems, preferably in manufacturing.
Experience managing operational projects with multiple stakeholders and demonstrated project management capabilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with teams at all organizational levels and across functions.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
Flexibility and initiative.
Effective written and verbal English communication skills for a multicultural and multifunctional environment.
Excellent people and stakeholder relationship management skills.
Proficiency with project management tools, manufacturing tools such as MES, and quality management systems used in manufacturing environments.
Proficiency and self-reliance with MS Office and Google Suite.
Familiarity with enterprise quality management software and proficiency with quality management tools and software.
Eligible for employment in the United States.
Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic and/or international customers or suppliers.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation, or Quality Assurance.
15 years of experience in project management, quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing operations, manufacturing engineering or methods, or a similar role in aviation or other manufacturing environments.
Experience with aerospace-specific tools such as SAP, MES systems, and statistical software such as Minitab or JMP.

Responsibilities

Lead, verify, support, and implement cross-departmental quality improvement projects and process optimizations.
Identify recurring Airbus- or supplier-caused problems, initiate escalations, and develop and implement risk mitigation measures using the Manage Practical Problem Solving approach.
Manage QSR, SARI, Events, and Notices of Escape, including generating, submitting, and monitoring Notices of Escape, SARIs, and Events.
Provide technical training to Quality Engineers and Quality Technical Assistants to enable them to complete the Quality Engineering scope of work.
Manage and sustain special process qualifications across the Kinston sites.
Facilitate and monitor Kinston site compliance with AS9100 and NADCAP certifications and audits.
Apply technical and professional expertise to improve process and product quality.
Oversee Quality Engineers’ and Quality Technical Assistants’ daily activities and performance to reduce non-conformance and support rate enablement.
Lead development and implementation of system, process, and policy improvements across the site.
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to integrate quality requirements into production and sourcing processes.
Communicate and collaborate with Airbus colleagues and other locations, including Cadrean, Montoir, and FAL Toulouse, and with airlines as needed, on product improvement, safety, and development.
Propose and implement a project structure and governance model to secure near-term deliveries and establish a long-term foundation.
Lead development, implementation, and sustainment of tactical and strategic projects involving functions and sites across the Airbus enterprise.
Develop and train Quality Engineering team members.
Support key customer relationships by ensuring contractual quality compliance and maintaining quality standards.
Make and recommend decisions on process conformity and quality management system improvements, balancing compliance, cost, and production timelines.
Lead the Quality Engineering team, resolve daily issues, and assign appropriate follow-up actions.