Quality Multi-Function First-Level Manager

Airbus Aerosystems Kinston is looking for a Quality Multi‑Function First‑Level Manager to join our team based in Kinston, NC. This detail‑oriented aviation quality team leader will lead the Product Inspection team and ensure full adherence to manufacturing and quality processes, meeting stringent aviation industry standards.

Our team at Airbus Aerosystems Kinston manufactures crucial aircraft components. On the shop floor you’ll work alongside electrical, structural and quality experts, passionate about aviation and building the next generation of aircraft.

The facility specializes in advanced composite aerostructures for the Airbus A350 XWB, including the composite center fuselage and wing spar.

• Financial Rewards:
  Competitive pay, incentive compensation, profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance:
  Paid time off, holidays and paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare:
  Comprehensive insurance coverage – medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and supplemental benefits.
• Individual Development:
  Upskilling and development opportunities through Global Leadership University, access to 10,000+ e‑learning courses, accelerated development programmes and national/international mobility.

• Lead or direct quality organizations and provide cross‑functional quality integration leadership.
• Manage quality personnel within the assigned functional area.
• Establish, oversee and administer processes, policies, best practices, and determine resource requirements, acquisition, improvement plans and quality measures.
• Review production schedules and assign work to facilitate completion of tasks and product movement per established schedule.
• Interface with other organizations, external suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to define, evaluate and communicate accomplishment of project and program priorities through all product life phases.
• Provide organizational vision, strategic plan, quality policies, processes and procedures, and drive process improvements and prevention measures.
• Communicate, educate, train and coach customers, suppliers and internal personnel.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into production and sourcing processes.
• Train and mentor quality team members, fostering a culture of accountability, safety and ongoing development.
• Provide cross‑functional leadership and quality technical expertise.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing operations, manufacturing engineering/methods or a similar role within aviation.
• Certifications in quality management, aviation safety or regulatory compliance preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic/international customers or suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of aviation Quality Management Systems, Safety Management Systems and FOD programs, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interaction with internal teams at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• High flexibility and initiative.
• Effective communication skills in English, which is required for operating in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in Manufacturing tools (MES) and quality management systems (QMS).

• Associate’s degree in aviation, quality assurance or a related field.
• 10 years’ experience in quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing operations, manufacturing engineering/methods within aviation.
• Certifications in quality management, aviation safety or regulatory compliance preferred.
• Experience with aerospace tools such as SAP, MES systems and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).

• Authorized to work in the U.S.

• Familiarity with enterprise quality management software.
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, overtime, weekends and holidays when needed.