Job Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Aerospace Quality Manager to lead our Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) functions. This individual will not only manage and develop the quality team but will also directly perform in-process inspections, final inspections, and First Article Inspections (FAIs) to ensure customer compliance and approval. The successful candidate will balance system-level quality leadership with day-to-day inspection work, supporting both shop floor operations and strategic quality initiatives.
This is a highly visible role requiring a leader who can set direction, solve problems, and roll up their sleeves to ensure production is maintained to the highest standards of aerospace quality.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Assurance (QA):
- Manage and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001, and DoD requirements.
- Lead internal and external audits (customer, DCMA, and regulatory), ensuring audit readiness at all times.
- Implement and track Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems, including root cause analysis and 8D reports.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Six Sigma, risk assessments (FMEA), and process capability studies.
- Partner with engineering and production to ensure quality is embedded in all phases of manufacturing.
- Maintain awareness of ITAR/EAR export compliance within quality practices.
Quality Control (QC):
- Personally perform in-process inspections, final inspections, and First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102 for customer review and approval.
- Ensure conformance of aerospace components, assemblies, and subassemblies to drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Oversee and mentor quality inspectors/technicians; ensure training, competency, and calibration compliance.
- Use precision metrology tools (CMMs, height gages, micrometers, comparators, etc.) and maintain equipment calibration per ANSI/NCSL Z540 and ISO 17025.
- Conduct customer source inspections when required.
- Monitor and support supplier quality performance, including on-site audits.
Requirements:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred (equivalent experience considered).
- 8–10 years of aerospace manufacturing quality experience, with both inspection and leadership responsibilities.
Certifications (Preferred):
- ASQ certifications: CQE, CMQ/OE, or CQA
- AS9100 Lead Auditor certification
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
- Working knowledge of ITAR, NADCAP, FAA, and DoD/MIL-STD quality compliance
Technical & Soft Skills:
- Expert knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and aerospace specifications.
- Strong working knowledge of QMS/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Plex, Syteline or similar).
- Effective communicator able to manage customer quality issues and production support.
- Demonstrated ability to work directly on the shop floor and perform inspections while managing a team.
- Experience working with aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Capable of managing customer-facing quality issues, supplier quality concerns, and production support under tight deadlines.
- U.S. Person status required (due to defense contracts).
Work Environment:
- Split between office and production floor, with direct engagement in inspection and production support.
- Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or partner facilities
Pay Range: $90,000 - $140,000
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Aero Structures Long Island considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's job-related knowledge, experience, education, skill sets, current market conditions and other business and organizational needs.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Aero Structures Long Island, Inc. is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Aero Structures Long Island is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. Aero Structures Long Island maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you managed both Quality Assurance (systems/compliance) and Quality Control (hands-on inspections)?
- Have you led or participated in customer, DoD, or DCMA audits? If so, how many and in what capacity?
Education:
Experience:
- aerospace manufacturing quality: 8 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Westbury, NY 11590 (Required)
Work Location: In person
