Position Summary

This is the top quality role in each functioning facility. Incumbent is accountable for decisions within the facility relative to operational compliance with all regulatory requirements and quality system procedures, appropriate use of CAPA and quality metrics, timely response to all complaints and eliminate of escapes. It is critically important that Quality leaders communicate not just internally at all levels but externally with our customers. AEC must be seen as a leader from the quality of process and product perspective and this role delivers that leadership within each facility.

The Quality Manager is accountable for leadership of quality engineers, inspection activities and audit/quality system functionality. It is imperative that the Quality Manager plays a role at the company level with the ongoing health of the Quality System as well as at the facility level with continuous improvement of the facility operations.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with facility leadership team to successfully and seamlessly transition new products into the plant while meeting quality system requirements. Knowledge and application of the NPI process is required.
• Lead the implementation of an RCCA culture through establishment of a formal process that ensures robust documentation. Knowledge of DMAIC / six sigma is required.
• Lead and coach Quality Engineers to support daily production and drive continuous improvement. Champion quality support to develop Value Streams. Knowledge of and familiarity with lean principles is required.
• Own the material review process in partnership with Supply Chain. Establish daily and weekly activities to identify and disposition all non-conforming materials. Work directly with Engineering and Supply Chain to fix non-conformities and prevent future occurrence. Lead and coach Quality Supervisor and inspection / compliance organization. Seek opportunities to incorporate inspections into processes. Develop a continuous improvement mindset in the inspection team.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improvement through quality changes and make this part of the culture within the Quality team.
• Implement and use the QM module of SAP effectively.
• Target zero defects from all value streams and work with each value stream to identify and track / trend appropriate quality metrics.
• Understand and apply all regulatory requirements applicable to aerospace and for those certifications held in the facility (AS9100, ISO, NADCAP, etc.). Be vigilant about your team's understanding and application of all regulatory requirements. Train as necessary to meet this responsibility.
• Assist in the development of the quality system architecture, staffing and associated processes to ensure adequate checks and balances exist.
• Be prepared to be the backup Management Representative in the facility. Lead facility based management reviews according to Albany quality system requirements.
• Track and trend CAPA, Complaints and audit findings. Work directly with the Quality Systems leader in your facility to uphold performance on these in a timely and effective manner.

Position Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

• Advanced in statistics and use of statistics to determine test / test methodologies.
• Project Management experience and demonstrated use of tools.
• Able to lead cross functional teams on deep problem solving processes, document and present findings to customer. Must be results focused!
• Able to communicate effectively and provide daily updates to customers as needed.
• Skilled in leading inspection activities as well as engineering activities.
• Skilled in the use of business and quality software packages. e. Mini tab, MS Office suite, ERP software, etc.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills especially with customers.

Additional Position Requirements (education, certifications, experience, physical)

• 3 years minimum in a quality management role.
• 3-5 years minimum experience in a regulated industry as a member of a Quality team.
• Quality Internal Auditor Certification preferred.
• BS in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering or Statistics required, MSE or MBA preferred.
• 3-5 years minimum experience dealing with customers, responding to issues directly and demonstrated success with doing so.
• Six Sigma trained - green or black belt preferred.
• Lean trained - green or black belt preferred.