Quality Manager

Expleo•Kinston, NC

9d•$120,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

EXPLEO GROUP USA is currently looking for a Quality Manager to join our team for an exciting opportunity in Kinston, North Carolina. This role involves leading quality initiatives that directly impact product excellence, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and operational success within one of the aerospace industry's most advanced commercial aircraft programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Minimum 8 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing quality, quality assurance, quality engineering, or quality management
Minimum 3 years of leadership or management experience
Strong knowledge of: AS9100 quality management systems, FAA and EASA requirements, aerospace manufacturing processes, composite structures manufacturing, root cause corrective action methodologies, auditing principles and quality standards
Experience leading quality teams within a manufacturing environment
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements
Strong analytical, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Proficiency using quality and manufacturing systems, including SAP, MES, and quality reporting tools
Experience supporting Airbus programs and aerospace composite manufacturing operations
ASQ Certifications, including: Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
Experience with: SAP, Solumina, Minitab, Qlik, Statistical Process Control (SPC), First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102
Supplier Quality Management experience
Experience supporting customer, FAA, EASA, or third-party audits
Advanced leadership experience within highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and manage Quality Engineers, Quality Inspectors, Auditors, and other quality professionals supporting aerospace manufacturing operations
Establish quality objectives and performance metrics aligned with Airbus and customer expectations
Drive a culture of quality, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization
Ensure proper execution of product verification, inspection, testing, and release activities
Provide daily support to production operations to ensure adherence to manufacturing and quality standards
Oversee non-conformance management activities, containment actions, root cause investigations, and corrective actions
Promote quality excellence, operational discipline, and customer-focused decision-making across the facility
Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA, EASA, and customer-specific quality requirements
Ensure effective implementation and sustainability of Quality Management System processes
Lead internal audits, customer audits, regulatory audits, and certification activities
Develop and implement quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and process controls
Monitor and analyze quality performance data to identify opportunities for improvement
Ensure manufacturing processes, documentation, and quality records meet regulatory and customer requirements
Serve as the primary quality liaison between suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies
Support customer quality reviews, investigations, and corrective action activities
Communicate quality performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to leadership and key stakeholders
Ensure timely resolution of customer complaints, quality escapes, and product quality concerns
Maintain strong working relationships with customers and regulatory authorities while supporting program success
Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations utilizing methodologies including: 8D, A3, DMAIC, 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Utilize SQCDP (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People) methodology to monitor key performance indicators and improve operational performance
Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives focused on defect reduction, process stability, and waste elimination
Identify process improvement opportunities that enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance
Support operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing and quality functions
Develop and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions that improve long-term performance
Partner with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality teams to ensure supplier compliance with aerospace quality requirements
Review supplier quality performance and support corrective actions when necessary
Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure purchased materials and components meet contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements
Support supplier development activities that improve product quality and delivery performance
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor quality personnel
Establish training, competency development, and succession planning programs
Foster employee engagement, accountability, and professional growth
Promote a safe work environment while reinforcing quality and compliance expectations
Build and maintain high-performing teams capable of supporting demanding aerospace manufacturing operations