Director of Quality

Description

With a history dating back to the Wright Brothers, Hartzell Aviation is a growing family of brands committed to innovation and the continuous improvement of general aviation. Hartzell Aviation focuses on investing in world-class processes and leading-edge technologies to support today’s aircraft owners and operations. Each of the companies in the Hartzell Aviation family of brands is unified by the same core value: Built on Honor. Built on Honor reflects a collective commitment to uphold the highest stands in quality, performance, and support. Built on Honor is integral to everything we do.

Hartzell Propeller was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Piqua, Ohio. Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing technology for general aviation applications – both piston engine and turboprop – as well as custom propulsion solutions for electric, hybrid-electric aircraft and advanced air mobility programs. In 2021, Hartzell Propeller acquired Tanis Aircraft Products to expand Hartzell’s heating products.

Hartzell Engine Tech is a leading OEM supplier and aerospace technology company headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, with additional locations across the US and Canada, that provides engine accessories and heating solutions that meet the demanding challenges of today’s aircraft systems. Included in its portfolio of companies is Hartzell Aerospace Welding, located in Eagan, Minnesota and Edmonton, Alberta, provides quality aviation exhaust systems and custom metal fabrication. As a world leader in aircraft exhaust systems and engine months, the company’s core competencies include certified welding, precision machining and sheet metal fabrication.

Hartzell Aerospace Welding and its employees are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations through continually improving our processes, quality system, technology, and most importantly, our people. Our Quality Management System is designed to support the diverse needs of both large and small customers, which means attention to detail is critical to our success.  We thrive by developing solutions to complex problems and delivering world-class products all while meeting strict guidelines and regulations throughout the entire process.  Our greatness comes from the daily effort each employee puts in and the investment we make in developing industry professionals.

Hartzell Aerospace Welding is looking for an energetic, results driven Quality to help grow our business. The Director will be responsible for leading and directing the work of other employees and have responsibility for personnel actions including hiring and performance management. The Director will lead a team of subordinate managers and collaborate with senior management to contribute to strategic planning, direction and goal setting for the department . The Director will establish departmental policies, practices and procedures that have a significant impact on the organization.

Requirements

Key Deliverables:

1. Develop long-term strategic plan for streamlining quality processes while ensuring product quality levels are maintained

2. Directs and oversees daily activities of quality control employees, along with a team of quality assurance engineers. 

3. Implements strategies for ensuring that organizational products and processes meet established quality standards. 

4. Administers AS9100/FAA (Part 145/Part 21) quality management system and monitors progress against strategic quality-related goals. 

5. Acts as lead compliance figure for organization overseeing AS9100 / FAA quality management internal and external audits.

6. Collects data that assists in the identification of potential quality failures, evaluates quality of raw materials or components, in-progress goods, processes, or operations, and develops and implements corrective actions. 

7. Solicits internal and external feedback with the goal of continuously improving processes or products.

8. Key point of contact for customers quality department

Required Competencies

Technical:

1) Excellent verbal and written communication skills

2) Has extensive experience with leading and administering a quality management system. Prior experience with FAA Part 145 & 21 manufacturing preferred. 

3) Demonstrated understanding of quality management system requirements

a. Ability to write manuals and requirements, technical procedures and document processes

b. Ability to interpret requirements and implement into the quality management system

4) Structured problem-solving skills to determine root cause

a. Ability to develop a plausible root cause and implement effective corrective action.

b. Familiarization with the principles of Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.

5) Knowledge of Manufacturing

a. Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and non-destructive testing methods, the application of each method and the requirements needed to certify processes and individuals

6) Organization skills

a. LEAN principles

b. Group facilitation

c. Project management

7) Gage management:

a. Gage calibration and inventory management experience.

b. Create and prove out gage calibration procedures traceable to NIST

c. Ability to manage out of tolerance gage conditions

8) Proficient Computer Skills (MS-Office, Excel and quality inspection management software)

Behavioral:

1) Strategic Decision Making – Identifies key strategic issues; obtains information and identifies issues and relationships relevant to achieving a long-range goal or vision; commits to a course of action to accomplish a long-range goal or vision after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values.

2) Customer Focus - Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect; acts with customers in minds and is dedicated to meeting the expectations of both internal and external customers.

3) Drives for results - is an action-oriented leader who can be counted on to meet goals successfully; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

4) Builds and Leads a Successful Team - a hands on leader who uses appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style to help build a cohesive team; creates strong morale and spirit; shares wins and successes; develops their skills and abilities and deeply engages with the team and is inquisitive about their area of responsibility.

5) Demonstrates Self-Awareness – knows personal strengths, weakness, opportunities and limits and is open to feedback and rounding out weaknesses by utilizing the strength of others on the team.

6) Demonstrates ethics and values - Adheres to an appropriate and effective set of core values and beliefs and acts in line with those values. Practices and rewards these values to reinforce desired company culture.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience required, including some prior management experience. An advanced degree may be preferred.  

Company Position Information:

• Job Type:  Full Time | Monday to Friday | First Shift
• Work Location:   Eagan, MN | On-site
• Benefits:       
  • Full Time employees are eligible beginning Day 1
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(K), Life Insurance, EAP, Vacation and more!

Hartzell Aerospace Welding is an EEO/AA/E-Verify Employer