Quality Assurance Manager

About the Role

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. is seeking a strategic, results‑driven Quality Assurance Manager to direct quality compliance, continuous improvement, and operational execution across Blades, Dynamic Component Repair (DCR), NDT, and Tail Boom operations in Texas. The role leads a dedicated team of 13 QA inspectors, champions a zero‑escape culture, right‑first‑time quality, and Lean manufacturing principles, and shapes departmental budgets, career development, and rigorous compliance with FAA, AS9100, EASA, and other global regulatory standards.

The team focuses on quality, productivity, and efficiency in building and servicing the next generation of aerospace aircraft. The work environment is located in a suburb just outside the Dallas‑Fort Worth metropolitan area, home to Airbus Helicopters U.S. regional headquarters and more than 1,000 employees.

Responsibilities

• Manage Department (45%): Provide leadership, vision, and strategic planning for inspectors; set daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals based on TCOs, internal customer priorities, and operational quality KPIs; establish and maintain OPEX and CAPEX budgets; oversee the Quality Management System for procedural compliance and audits; develop staff career paths; ensure operational quality of DCR, Blades, and NDT; manage NC disposition and corrective actions; coordinate employee time and vacation to avoid backlogs.
• Lead Inspectors (35%): Develop and sustain a team trained in customer quality, Airbus, and regulatory competency requirements; ensure compliance of special processes (e.g., NDT) with AH/AHD, ASNT, EN, FAA, AS9100, CASE, Transport Canada, UK CAA, and EASA standards; enforce Airbus Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, and Safety standards; drive continuous improvement initiatives (YourSay); maintain regulatory airworthiness compliance.
• Improve Quality Processes (20%): Lead and mentor digital documentation projects, including electronic signatures; monitor Andon and Quality Gate processes to maintain a zero‑escape culture and improve First Pass Yield; integrate Airbus Group problem‑solving tools (PDCA, PPS) into regional activities; use data to identify inefficiencies and implement quantitative, right‑first‑time improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience (minimum 4 years).
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry.
• 5+ years in a management role.
• Valid, current Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.
• Extensive knowledge of aerospace helicopter MRO components and special processes.
• Ability to lead and direct complex assignments, manage $1M+ projects, and control cost and schedule.
• Strong facilitation, strategy, and team‑leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet business needs.
• Travel requirement: 20% domestic and international.
• U.S. work authorization (no visa sponsorship).

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including profit‑sharing schemes), retirement savings plan, and participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off (personal time, holidays) and a generous paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage – medical (traditional and high‑deductible plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and other supplemental benefits.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: Ability to read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Ability to participate in conversations in person, via teleconference, and hear production‑floor sounds and safety warnings.
• Speaking: Ability to communicate in meetings and deliver information.
• Equipment Operation: Use of personal computer, telephone, copier, fax, electronic ID card, and basic production tools (e.g., hydraulic lifts).
• Carrying/Lifting: Ability to carry and lift documents, tools, drawings, and electronic equipment up to 30 lb (14 kg) several times per day/week.
• Pushing/Pulling: Ability to move small office furniture and some equipment/tools.
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods (≈70% of the day).
• Standing: Ability to stand for discussions on the production floor.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Ability to retrieve or replace items on low shelving.
• Walking: Ability to walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.
• Travel: Ability to travel independently and at short notice (≈30% of the year).
• Personal Protective Equipment: Required PPE includes safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and protective gloves as dictated by site or customer requirements; steel‑toed shoes are mandatory for all shop‑floor visits.