Senior Quality Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing

Merritt Island / Cape Canaveral, Florida

A growing aerospace and defense manufacturer on Florida’s Space Coast is seeking a Senior Quality Manager to lead quality systems, compliance, customer quality, and operational excellence initiatives across a highly technical manufacturing environment supporting mission-critical aerospace programs.

************This is not a desk-only quality management role.***************

We are seeking a hands-on aerospace quality leader who is comfortable on the manufacturing floor, capable of leading customer and registrar audits, mentoring technical teams, and driving real operational improvements within machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and complex aerospace manufacturing operations.

The company has built a strong reputation supporting aerospace, defense, and high-specification manufacturing programs through precision machining, fabrication, integration, testing, and engineering services. Located just minutes from Kennedy Space Center and NASA operations, this organization supports some of the most challenging manufacturing projects in the aerospace industry.

The environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and built around problem-solving, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the Quality organization including Quality Engineers, Inspectors, Auditors, and CMM personnel
• Maintain and improve the AS9100 / ISO9001 Quality Management System
• Lead customer, internal, registrar, and supplier audits
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership to improve quality, throughput, and operational performance
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor supporting production teams and resolving real-time quality issues
• Oversee nonconformance management, inspection systems, calibration programs, and quality metrics
• Support supplier quality initiatives and customer issue resolution
• Participate in strategic operational planning as the organization continues to grow

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive quality leadership experience within aerospace manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of:
• AS9100
• ISO9001
• GD&T
• Root Cause Analysis
• Aerospace manufacturing processes
• First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Experience supporting precision machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, or complex aerospace components
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor teams and influence cross-functional organizations
• Experience interfacing directly with aerospace customers and auditors
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic initiatives and daily operational support
• Experience with CAPA, RCCA, 8D, PFMEA, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies

Preferred Experience

• NADCAP familiarity
• CMM and advanced inspection systems
• Supplier Quality leadership
• ITAR-regulated environments
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement
• ASQ Certifications (CQE, CQM, CQA)

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Direct involvement in aerospace and space exploration manufacturing programs
• Opportunity to help shape and mature a growing quality organization
• Broad exposure across machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and systems integration
• Leadership team that values hands-on operational leadership
• Mid-sized company environment where your impact is highly visible
• Strong technical culture focused on craftsmanship, accountability, and problem-solving

Why Merritt Island / Florida’s Space Coast?

Florida’s Space Coast offers a unique combination of aerospace innovation and quality of life. Located near Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, the area provides direct proximity to some of the most exciting activity in the aerospace industry today.

The region offers:

• Year-round warm weather
• Waterfront living and boating
• Excellent fishing and outdoor recreation
• Easy access to Orlando and major airports
• Strong aerospace and defense community
• Coastal lifestyle without the congestion of larger metro areas

If you’re an aerospace quality leader who enjoys being close to the operation, solving complex manufacturing challenges, building strong teams, and contributing to meaningful aerospace programs, this is an opportunity worth exploring.