Quality Manager

About the role

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 controls
  • 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 analytical, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency using quality and manufacturing systems, including SAP, MES, and quality reporting tools
• Experience supporting Airbus programs and aerospace composite manufacturing operations
• ASQ Certifications, including:
  • Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE)
  • Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • Certified Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Experience with:
  • SAP
  • Solumina
  • Minitab
  • Qlik
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102
• Supplier Quality Management experience
• Experience supporting customer, FAA, EASA, or third-party audits
• Advanced leadership experience within highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits for you and your dependents including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA with company contribution, company-sponsored Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, legal plans, hospital, accident, pet wellness plans, and 401(k) with company match
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Career Development and Advancement – Expleo operates in 29 countries worldwide with a strong commitment to employee growth and professional development
• Leadership Opportunity – Influence quality strategy and lead high-performing teams supporting a globally recognized aerospace manufacturing program
• Strong Team Culture – Collaborate with experienced professionals who value quality, innovation, safety, compliance, and continuous improvement

Pay

Competitive Compensation – $120,000 - $140,000 annually. Please note that the compensation range displayed is a generalized range for pipelining purposes and may not reflect the final range for a specific role. Final compensation will be determined based on the role, skill alignment, years of experience, and fair, market-based rates by geography.