Quality Manager

Primary Function

Reports to the AOS Site Lead and serves as the on-site authority for the Contractor's Quality Management System (QMS) at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). Provides independent oversight of maintenance, inspection, and modification activities to ensure compliance with AS9100D, FAA, and NASA quality standards. Partners closely with the Maintenance Manager and NASA Quality Assurance personnel to ensure airworthiness, procedural conformance, and continuous improvement in all maintenance operations.

Essential Duties

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Contractor's QMS in accordance with AS9100 Rev D, AFOP-8735.2-001, and AFRC quality procedures.

• Prepare and maintain the Contractor's Quality Assurance Manual, ensuring alignment with NASA's quality objectives and mission assurance policy.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all quality and inspection matters with NASA's AFRC Quality Branch, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and technical monitors.

• Oversee internal and external audits of maintenance and inspection processes; ensure timely resolution of findings and non-conformances.

• Establish procedures for corrective and preventive actions, including root cause analysis and verification of effectiveness.

• Supervise and qualify designated Contractor Inspectors; manage inspection stamp control in accordance with AFOP-8730.5-003.

• Ensure inspections are documented in NAMIS and that all work meets applicable technical data and FAA AC 43.13 standards.

• Support NASA and Government QA personnel by providing staffing or supplemental inspection capability when requested.

• Monitor calibration programs, tool control, and training records related to inspection functions.

• Lead and participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality outcomes.

• Ensure QMS coverage extends to subcontractor and vendor processes as applicable to the AFRC task order.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned Quality Inspectors and QA support personnel.
• Provides technical direction, performance feedback, and training oversight to ensure inspection staff meet certification and qualification standards.
• Coordinates with Maintenance Operations and Site Leadership to ensure consistent inspection practices and quality performance across all shifts.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of AS9100D, ISO 9001, and FAA Part 43/145 maintenance standards.

• Strong understanding of NASA quality requirements, documentation control, and aircraft maintenance processes.

• Proficiency with electronic maintenance and inspection systems (e.g., NAMIS, maintenance management databases).

• Skilled in root cause analysis, audit planning, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., 8D, PDCA, or Six Sigma).

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills; able to interface effectively with NASA customers, auditors, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to develop and deliver QA training and promote a proactive safety and quality culture.

Required Qualifications

• Current FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) or demonstrated equivalent level of qualifications and expertise; maintain inspection activity/expertise sufficient for IA renewal (or military equivalent).

• Experience: At least 10 years of maintenance experience within the last 15 years, including 3 years as a maintenance inspector or in Quality Control; at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity.

• Detailed knowledge of the roles/responsibilities of other QA positions (e.g., Quality Systems Auditors, aircraft inspectors).

• Knowledge of 14 CFR (Title 14) and AS9100. Bachelor's degree preferred.

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate strongly preferred.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

• Completion of NASA or FAA inspection training courses preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QMS documentation tools

Working Environment

• A fast paced multi-tasking customer service oriented environment requiring a high degree of efficient and effective performance.
• Adaptability regarding schedule and task changes is necessary to accommodate changing priorities.
• Overtime may be required.