Quality Manager

FASTENER DISTRIBUTION HOLDINGS LLC.•Naugatuck, CT

59d•$90,000 - $125,000

About The Position

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain partner for aerospace and defense companies, providing end-to-end supply chain solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers. With more than 55+ years of experience and operations in 14 countries, we bring expertise across Commercial, Defense, Space, Business Aviation and Cargo through our specialized business divisions, Electronics, Hardware, Commercial Aftermarket, and Defense Aftermarket. At FDH Aero, we understand that the strength of our brand comes from our people, and our culture empowers every team member to contribute and grow. As a global team, our culture is rooted in five (5) core values that begin with the words “We are” and include: service-first, respectful, amplifiers, open-minded and accountable. The Manager, Quality will lead a dedicated quality team and will foster strong supplier and customer relationships, ensuring adherence to industry standards. This role leads the site quality team, ensures disciplined execution of AS9100/ISO 9001 processes within the unified FDHE QMS/eQMS, and drives continuous improvement for manufacturing and/or value-add operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented leader with extensive experience in aerospace quality processes, systems, and is capable of driving continuous improvement and maintaining operational excellence. The site manager partners with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and EHS to achieve first-time-right performance, reduce defects, and meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related fields required
Site Leadership experience in Quality Assurance, preferably within the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
In-depth understanding and knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 Quality Management Systems
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
ITAR Requirement
Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15.

Responsibilities

Serve as the facility’s Quality leader. Own quality strategy, objectives, and management review cadence. Lead, coach, and develop the site quality team; set objectives and run daily/weekly/monthly tier reviews. Ensure policy deployment and visual management across the floor.
Maintain compliant and current procedures and improve documented processes, procedures, work instructions, and records. Ensure effective document change control (travelers, test methods, inspection plans), risk‑based thinking, and records traceability/ change management.
Plan and host third‑party certification audits, customer audits, and internal audits. Lead closure of nonconformities and preventive actions; track CAR/PAR effectiveness.
Oversee incoming, in‑process, and final inspection for manufacturing operations. Ensure appropriate sampling plans, workmanship standards (e.g., IPC where applicable), test coverage, and traceability.
Manage nonconforming product, rework/repair approvals, and quarantine controls. Own DMR/NCM processes; chair or support MRB per delegation. Ensure quarantine controls, rework/repair approvals, and reduction of customer escapes and internal PPM.
Lead structured problem solving (5‑Why, Fishbone, 8D). Drive on‑time, effective containment and corrective actions; verify and validate outcomes.
Own customer complaint/return (RMA) investigation, trend analysis, and communications.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality on incoming quality, supplier CARs, certifications/CoCs, counterfeit parts prevention (e.g., AS5553/AS6174), and supplier performance.
Ensure process qualifications, FAI/PPAP as required, capability studies (CP/CPK), DQR, and control plan adherence for critical characteristics.
Maintain asset register, 100% on-time calibration, and appropriate MSA where applicable, gage R&R.
Own site quality dashboard (FPY, PPM, DPPM, CAR aging, audit findings, OTTR/OTD impacts, scrap/rework, RMA, COPQ, CA OTD). Utilize SPC and statistical methods to drive decisions.
Champion Lean/Six Sigma projects targeting flow, waste elimination, and mistake‑proofing; facilitate kaizens and 5S audits.
Build quality capability across the site (workmanship, ESD, FOD/FOE, inspection techniques, QMS awareness). Coach leaders and associates on right‑first‑time behaviors.
Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory, customer, and contractual requirements (e.g., ITAR/EAR awareness for controlled items, shelf‑life controls, storage conditions).
Recruit, develop, schedule, and performance‑manage a team of quality professionals across shifts; build succession and engagement.