Senior Quality Manager - Drive Systems Center (DSC)
About the role
We’re more than aviation experts; we’re pioneers who challenge what’s possible — from breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering, including the development of the Army’s Future Long‑Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) as part of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort, the Bell 525 Relentless, and the High‑Speed Vertical Take‑Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next‑generation stop‑fold aircraft. This role is onsite at Bell’s Drive Systems Center in Grand Prairie, TX (with the primary location in Fort Worth, TX). Bell is seeking a Senior Quality Manager for the Drive Systems Center (DSC) to oversee quality and compliance operations for production, lead daily quality activities for salaried and union‑covered hourly employees, drive performance, safety, and quality of work, manage costs, and handle employee and regulatory relations. The successful candidate will be responsible for all site quality activities and initiatives, provide leadership to ensure compliance with applicable standards, policies/procedures, and customer satisfaction, deploy organizational strategy and departmental objectives, and maintain appropriate staffing levels. The position reports to the Director of Quality Operations, FW Texas, and interfaces directly with site General Managers and Quality Managers for both Commercial and Military Programs. The Manager will also participate in the development, execution, and oversight of product inspections and manufacturing processes to ensure robust, cost‑effective products.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage salaried and hourly Quality teams, fostering strong leadership, collaboration, and alignment to organizational strategy while ensuring productivity and achievement of site quality objectives.
- Evaluate business impacts using metrics, activity reports, delivery schedules, and manpower planning to drive quality performance, improve inspection operations, and standardize processes, policies, and procedures.
- Collaborate effectively across a matrixed environment with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Programs, CI, and other functions to resolve material quality issues and support new or developing processes.
- Lead Corrective Action, Continuous Improvement, and process‑improvement initiatives, including monitoring, root cause investigations, auditing, and failure mode analysis.
- Oversee MRB activities, manage quality nonconformances and dispositions, and conduct internal QMS audits while supporting external customer and registrar audits.
- Interface with FAA and DCMA customers, preparing and presenting quality information for major milestones and validations, while fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse experiences and teamwork.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree is required; a technical discipline such as Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Industrial Technology is preferred. Candidates should have strong familiarity with Aerospace & Defense systems and procedures. Must possess at least 12+ years of experience in Quality Operations/Quality Engineering, including a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing a unionized workforce. Deep knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management System requirements, inspection processes and techniques, and proven experience conducting internal/external quality audits. Lean Six Sigma training with Green or Black Belt certification, supported by experience leading continuous improvement initiatives and solving complex, ambiguous problems. Relocation assistance is not available for this role.