What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Quality position at Van's Aircraft, Inc.?
Director or Quality
Van’s Aircraft, a leader in the aviation industry, is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Quality to join our team. In this critical role, you will lead the quality department and champion quality initiatives across the organization. Your expertise and leadership will drive the effectiveness of our Quality Management System (QMS), ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in a high-performance environment while collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept:
- Lead the expansion and sustainment of a committed quality culture throughout the entire value chain using your influence and management skills.
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) to meet customer, industry, and regulatory requirements.
- Translate customer, industry, and regulatory standards into robust manufacturing and inspection methods; ensure these are documented as standard work.
- Manage First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and develop the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
- Ensure vendor quality systems consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory requirements, including special processes.
- Lead containment, root cause analysis, corrective, and preventive actions (RCCA/CAPA), and train teams on problemsolving tools such as 8D, 3P, and 5Why.
- Monitor and manage quality metrics, including the cost of poor quality, to meet business objectives and optimize ROI.
- Drive process control and optimization projects to stabilize and improve firstpass yield while participating in broader continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 3P).
- Develop and refine advanced problemsolving and process improvement methods; train employees and suppliers in these techniques.
- Maintain effective communication with customers, internal management, and vendors to ensure quality expectations are met.
- Manage the development, training, and performance of direct reports.
What You’ll Bring to the Team:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology (preferred).
- 5 years of manufacturing quality experience.
- 7 years in a manufacturing environment (10 years preferred) with at least 5 years of leadership experience.
- Proficiency in ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems.
- Aerospace industry experience (5 years preferred).
- Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification or equivalent (preferred).
- Certified Quality Manager or Certified Manufacturing/Quality Engineer credentials (preferred).
- Expertise in core quality tools, including PPAP and APQP.
- Solid business acumen and exceptional organizational skills.
- Advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; ERP system experience (preferred).
- The ability to confidently and professionally challenge management and peers to uphold quality standards and drive improvements.
Work Environment: This role involves a mix of office work and shop floor engagement. The Director of Quality must be comfortable in both settings and prepared for occasional business travel (approximately 10%).
Equal Employment Opportunity: Van’s Aircraft is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on job-related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
If you are a quality-driven leader ready to take on this challenge, we invite you to apply and help us soar to new heights at Van’s Aircraft.
About Van's Aircraft, Inc.
Van's Aircraft, founded in 1973 by Richard VanGrunsven, leads in designing and manufacturing high-performance kit aircraft. With a strong reputation for innovation and excellence, Van's is based at Oregon’s Aurora State Airport (KUAO) and is home to a dedicated team of about 110 employees. We are committed to improving our products to meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance. As Van's continues to grow, we’re expanding our capabilities and exploring new opportunities in aviation, creating exciting career potential. We value cross-departmental collaboration, providing visibility into how your role contributes to our collective success. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, holidays, health, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance, a 401K plan, and access to an employee flying club.