Site Quality Manager

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. 

**IMPORTANT** For the first 6-12 months, this position will be remote in South Carolina. After this period, the position will transition to a full-time role onsite at our new facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

• Estimated annual base pay: $108,000.00(minimum) - $140,000.00(midpoint) - $173,000.00(maximum)
• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. 
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members  
• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays. 
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave. 
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance  
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits. 
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life 
• Member referral bonus 
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending 
• Voluntary benefits, including:  
  • Home / Auto Insurance discounts 
  • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave 

Position Overview:

The Site Quality Manager is responsible for the site Quality Management System (QMS), product safety, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness assurance for all hydraulic and actuation products. This role ensures full compliance with AS9100E, FAA ODA requirements, and customer-specific requirements (Airbus, Boeing, etc.) while enabling high-performing value streams in a “Team of Teams” environment.

This leader serves as the primary interface to the regulatory authorities, customers, and certification authorities and ensures independence of airworthiness decisions while partnering closely with manufacturing and engineering to achieve zero defects and strong OTD

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership

• Lead all quality‑related activities necessary to support the successful launch of a new manufacturing facility, including establishing quality systems, staffing and training quality personnel, developing processes and procedures, and ensuring readiness for production and regulatory compliance.
• Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems required to achieve and sustain AS9100 certification as well as FAA Part 21 (Production Approval) and FAA Part 145 (Repair Station) certifications. This includes managing documentation, coordinating audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and driving corrective action closure.
• Own, maintain, and continually improve the AS9100‑compliant QMS; ensure robust document control, risk‑based thinking, and process discipline across all value streams.
• Lead internal audit program, management reviews, and certification activities (e.g., AS9100 surveillance/recertification, customer audits, OASIS interactions).
• Ensure effective deployment of AS9145 APQP/PPAP, including planning, special characteristics, control plans, MSA, capability studies, and process validation.

Production & Product Quality

• Establish and govern production quality controls (in‑process inspection, SPC, error‑proofing, FOD prevention, product safety, configuration management).
• Ensure compliant First Article Inspection (AS9102) execution and approvals; drive flawless launches and engineering changes.
• Chair or co‑chair MRB; oversee disposition of nonconforming product and ensure proper segregation, containment, and risk assessment.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Lead high‑impact RCCA using 8D, A3, or equivalent; verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence.
• Implement statistical methods (SPC, Cpk/Ppk, DOE) and mistake‑proofing to reduce variation and scrap.
• Drive systemic improvements via PFMEA, control plans, and layered process audits (LPAs).

Supplier Quality & Special Processes

• Oversee Supplier Quality: selection, qualification, APQP/PPAP submissions, performance monitoring (OTD/PPM), and development plans.
• Ensure control of special processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings, welding) with approved sources; coordinate Nadcap readiness where applicable.
• Enforce counterfeit parts prevention, traceability, and ITAR/EAR compliance in the supply chain.

Metrology, Test & Compliance

• Manage calibration/metrology (ISO/IEC 17025 alignment where applicable); ensure gage R&R/MSA adequacy.
• Oversee NDT/NDE quality (as applicable) and compliance to customer and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA/DoD as relevant).

Customer & Regulatory Interface

• Act as the primary site interface for customer quality issues, escapes, scorecards, and audits; ensure rapid, data‑driven responses.
• Maintain readiness for customer and regulatory inspections; ensure effective configuration control and records management.

People Leadership & Culture

• Build an industry‑leading quality team: recruit, coach, and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, SQEs, and auditors.
• Promote a safety‑first, quality‑always mindset; foster psychological safety, accountability, and cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Key Skills:

• Leadership: Effectively manages and motivates teams to achieve quality and timeliness of objectives.
• Operational Management: Oversees daily operations to meet short term operational goals.
• Strategic Planning: Develops and adapts departmental plans to address resource and operational challenges.
• Performance Management: Conducts performance appraisals, rewards, and fosters team member development.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves technical and operational issues with consideration for broader departmental impact.
• Business Acumen: Understands how the quality department integrates with other business units to achieve overall operational objectives.
• Technical Expertise: Provides specialized technical guidance to team members and stakeholders to maintain quality standards.
• Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on policies, procedures, and departmental plans.
• Interpersonal Skills: Guides and influences others to adopt different perspectives to enhance team performance.
• Financial Acumen: Monitors and achieves operational and financial results within the quality department.

Other Qualifications / Experience (preferred):

• 12–15+ years in aerospace quality leadership
• Deep experience with AS9100 and FAA regulatory environment
• Experience supporting DOA, ODA, DER, or certification programs
• Strong background in machining, assembly, and hydraulic/mechanical systems
• Proven track record leading greenfield or major transformation

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.