The Quality Assurance Manager – ECS Components & Ducting is responsible for leading quality operations, compliance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives related to Environmental Control System (ECS) components and ducting assemblies. This role ensures that all mechanical parts—such as valves, heat exchangers, ducts, and fittings—meet stringent aerospace quality standards and customer requirements. The manager will oversee inspection processes, supplier quality, root cause analysis, and regulatory compliance within a manufacturing or assembly environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage the quality assurance strategy for ECS components and ducting products across internal manufacturing and supplier operations
Develop, implement, and maintain AS9100- and ISO 9001-compliant quality systems and procedures specific to ECS mechanical hardware
Lead a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors responsible for product verification, in-process checks, and final release of ECS assemblies
Review and approve first article inspections (FAI), control plans, PPAP documentation, and process capability studies
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) related to non-conformances, escapes, or field returns
Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues and implement design-for-quality improvements
Oversee incoming inspection processes for materials and outsourced ECS parts (e.g., composite or metallic ducts, elastomeric seals, thermal blankets)
Perform supplier audits and drive vendor development programs to improve incoming quality and compliance
Support product qualification, environmental testing (e.g., DO-160), and customer/FAA inspections or source audits
Track quality KPIs such as defect rates, scrap, rework, and customer satisfaction metrics; report out to leadership
Key Focus Areas:
Quality control and compliance for ECS hardware and ducting
AS9100 and FAA regulatory adherence
Supplier quality management and audit leadership
Root cause analysis and continuous improvement
Inspection planning, documentation, and team leadership
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering (required)
Advanced degree or certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
Experience:
8–12+ years of quality assurance experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing
3+ years in a quality management or team leadership role
Proven experience with ECS components or HVAC/mechanical assemblies is strongly preferred
Familiarity with ducting materials (metallic, composite, or flexible) and precision aerospace assemblies
Technical Skills:
Proficient in AS9102 FAI, PPAP, GD&T, and metrology tools (CMMs, borescopes, flow test rigs)
Experience with quality management systems (QMS), nonconformance tracking systems (e.g., TIPQA, SAP-QM), and CAPA workflows
Working knowledge of standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA Part 21, and NADCAP (for special processes)
Soft Skills:
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Effective communicator with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
Team leader with the ability to influence across departments and with suppliers
Detail-focused and highly driven toward product integrity and customer satisfaction