Quality Manager

Overview

EXPLEO GROUP USA is currently looking for a Quality Manager to join our team for an exciting opportunity in Kinston, North Carolina.

Responsibilities:

Quality Leadership & Operations

• 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

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• 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 controlsl
• Monitor and analyze quality performance data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Ensure manufacturing processes, documentation, and quality records meet regulatory and customer requirements

Customer & Regulatory Interface

• 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

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• 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

Supplier Quality Management

• 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

Team Development & Leadership

• 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

Qualifications:

• 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…