OverviewThe Quality Program Manager (QPM) is responsible for ensuring quality requirements are integrated into new product introduction (NPI), engineering changes, and tooling development. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management to proactively identify and mitigate quality risks before production. The QPM serves as the primary quality representative during program development, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the Quality representative for new product introduction (NPI) and engineering development activities.
- Review engineering drawings, models, and specifications for manufacturability, inspectability, and compliance with customer requirements.
- Identify and communicate quality risks during design and development phases.
- Collaborate with Engineering on tooling design and validation to ensure repeatability and capability.
- Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and cross-functional program meetings.
- Ensure appropriate quality planning is completed, including:
- Inspection planning
- Control plans
- FAI strategy (AS9102 compliance)
- Support development and review of PFMEA / risk analysis activities.
- Drive early containment and mitigation strategies for potential failure modes.
- Coordinate with suppliers and Supply Chain to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and flowed down.
- Support qualification activities including First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness and execution.
- Ensure alignment between engineering intent and production capability.
- Monitor program quality performance during launch and transition to production.
- Support root cause and corrective action activities related to program-level issues.
- Assist with customer communication related to quality during development phases.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer-specific requirements, and internal procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, quality engineering, or program quality role
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) or engineering development strongly preferred
Technical Skills
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
- Working knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 requirements
- Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, and risk analysis tools
- Familiarity with tooling concepts, manufacturing processes, and inspection methods
- Experience with FAI systems (Net-Inspect, DISCUS, HighQA, or similar)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
- Ability to identify risk early and influence cross-functional decisions
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with Engineering and Operations
- Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously
