Quality Engineering (QE) Manager – Aerospace Structures
We are seeking a Quality Engineering Manager with deep experience in aerospace structures to lead quality activities across metallic and composite airframe components. This role manages a team of QEs supporting design, production, and supplier operations to ensure structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and flawless execution.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a QE team focused on aircraft structural components (fuselage, wings, empennage, composite assemblies).
- Ensure product and process compliance with AS9100, FAA/EASA structural requirements, and customer standards.
- Oversee FAI, structural inspection planning, NDI/NDT coordination, material certification, and special process controls.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions related to structural defects, nonconformances, fatigue/damage tolerance issues, and manufacturing escapes.
- Partner with Design Engineering on structural qualification, test planning, DFM/A, and risk mitigation (FMEA, PFMEA).
- Track quality performance metrics (scrap, rework, structural defects, MRB trends) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support supplier quality for metallics, composites, machining, fabrication, and bonded assemblies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering field.
- 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience.
- Strong understanding of AS9100, FAA Part 21 and structural conformity requirements.
- Experience leading QE teams or complex cross‑functional quality initiatives.
Preferred
- ASQ CQE/CQA or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
- Familiarity with MRB processes and digital QMS/PLM tools.
Physical & Mental Demands
- Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for extended period of time
- Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
- Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
- Moderate lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
- Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
- Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment
- Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate response
- Additional Physical Requirements: file, speak, write, listen, read, type, understand
- Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret
Environment
- Work typically performed in an office setting.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or a related engineering field
- 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience
- Strong understanding of AS9100, FAA Part 21, and structural conformity requirements
- Experience leading quality engineering teams or complex cross-functional quality initiatives
- ASQ CQE/CQA certification or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
- Familiarity with MRB processes and digital QMS/PLM tools
What We Do
When clients come to us for product design and development, they get a full range of technical expertise and laboratory resources, but they also get a team that’s relentless when it comes to solving problems and creating designs that are the ideal combination of function and form. What does that mean? We build tools that save lives. For surgeons, it means they have tools that not only address but anticipate their needs, which helps improve their patients’ outcomes. We create products that save money and ensure safety. For people juggling family, work, and other demands, it means they have products that provide real help in managing their everyday lives. And for businesses, it means their bottom line is supported with durable tools that improve efficiency and protect their teams. From concept to production plan, or at any phase in between, we are a partner that can extend your product development know-how or provide additional mindpower to free up in-house teams.
