JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Quality Assurance oversees the efficient operations of the Quality Assurance department, which is composed of the Quality Engineers (staff), Inspectors (union), Laboratory Technicians (union), and Inspector Technicians – Ultrasonic (union). The Director, Quality Assurance reviews and monitors Government, Customer and Industry Quality system requirements to assure procedures are adequate and in compliance; oversees Regulatory Agency certification and periodic audits; is responsible for formulating, documenting, implementing and assuring compliance to Quality policies, plans and standards; and  represents the organization as the ISO/AS9100 Quality representative, among other duties.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the CEO. The Director, Quality Assurance liaises closely with the VP, Operations, VP, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Project Management. Reporting to the Director, Quality Assurance, are the Quality Engineers, Lab Technicians, and the Inspection Team.

WORK PERFORMED

• Directs and manages the efforts of the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Teams
• Assists the VP, Operations in following up on the assigned tasks given
• Assists in the measurement of operational performance and training needs
• With minimum direction, is responsible for formulating, documenting, implementing and assuring compliance to Quality policies, plans and standards
• Responsible for Regulatory Agency certification and periodic audits
• Manages and mentors Quality Engineering, Inspection and production teams
• Reviews and monitors Government and Customer Quality system requirements to assure procedures are adequate and in compliance
• Analyzes internal and external Quality data and initiate effective corrective actions to reduce and eliminate adverse trends
• Manages periodic Quality Management Reviews
• Provides Quality technical support to all process owners
• Leads by example, demonstrating a consistent, professional manner
• Creates a team environment with all fellow managers and their staffs
• Ensure timely responses to all Quality activities and issues to meet scheduled needs of both internal and external customers
• Conducts effective meetings by  strong understanding of roles, responsibilities & action plans
• Represents the organization as the ISO/AS9100 Quality representative
• Monitors and assures compliance of all processes, including NADCAP, ISO/AS9100
• Manages all aspects of ISO & Regulatory compliance
• As needed, performs the essential duties of a Quality Engineer and other related tasks

CONSEQUENCES OF ERROR/IMPACT OF DECISIONS

This position is expected to make strategic decisions regarding the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Quality Management System, based on feedback from Operations, Programs, Suppliers and the Customer. The consequences of error are serious in that poor product quality translates to higher costs, slower delivery, decreased profit, poor customer satisfaction, low audit ratings, and the highest risk, increased chance of a product failure in the field. Accountability, initiative, sound judgment and decisiveness are required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position works independently to prioritize and complete assigned tasks. Assignments are periodically reviewed for progress through biweekly meetings with the CEO. Work is checked and reviewed upon request, when tasks deviate from established guidelines.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Oversees the Quality Control Supervisors, and coaches QC Supervisors in any issues with the Inspectors.  Leads, trains and mentors the Quality Assurance Engineers. Provides day-to-day supervision of the lab. Delegates issues as needed, and follows up to ensure completion.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's Degree in Quality, Engineering or related discipline is preferred. Equivalent education or professional work experience may be acceptable.
• Demonstrated Quality Assurance experience, preferably in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Good familiarity with AS9100, ISO, FAA;  NADCAP special processes and military contracts is preferred including past experience as the ISO/AS9100 Quality representative.
• Capable of representing the organization to customers, suppliers and corporate leaders as the authority on Quality Management.
• Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kanban, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, spreadsheet applications and databases.

• Must have excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively with others and be an active, team player.

• Must be able to work under pressure, in a fast paced, ever changing, results oriented environment.