Quality Assurance (QA) Manager in Patuxent River, Maryland at Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc.

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm, headquartered in Maryland. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.

We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance (QA) Manager to support the H-53 Program at HX-21, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. This position is responsible for leading all Quality Assurance activities supporting aircraft maintenance, inspection, and flight test operations while ensuring full compliance with Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2, applicable NAVAIR quality requirements, and ACET's Quality Management System.

The QA Manager serves as the primary quality authority for the HX-21 CH-53K program and works closely with Government Quality Assurance Specialists (QASs), Program Management, Site Leadership, Engineering, and Production personnel to ensure all maintenance, modifications, inspections, documentation, and deliverables meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and mission readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management

• Lead all Quality Assurance functions supporting H-53K aircraft modification and maintenance operations.
• Ensure compliance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP), DCMA Instruction 8210-1D, applicable NAVAIR directives and Ground Operating Procedures (GOP).
• Maintain program compliance with ACET Quality Management System requirements and customer contractual obligations.
• Develop and implement quality objectives, inspection plans, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with approved technical publications, engineering drawings, and maintenance instructions.

Aircraft Inspection & Oversight

• Supervise Quality Assurance Representatives (QARs), Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representatives (CDQARs), Collateral Duty Inspectors (CDIs), and quality personnel.
• Conduct in-process and final inspections of aircraft modifications, maintenance actions, and installations.
• Verify aircraft documentation accuracy and maintenance record completeness.
• Review and approve inspection packages prior to Government acceptance.

Compliance & Audits

• Plan, manage, and conduct internal quality audits and surveillance inspections.
• Support Government audits conducted by NAVAIR, DCMA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Track audit findings through corrective action and closure.
• Ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements and industry’s best practices.

Process Improvement

• Develop corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA).
• Analyze quality trends and implement process improvements to reduce defects and improve efficiency.
• Utilize Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies to resolve quality issues.
• Establish metrics and reporting for quality performance.

Documentation Control

• Review maintenance documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure proper control of technical publications and quality records.
• Maintain inspection reports, discrepancy documentation, corrective action records, and quality metrics.

Leadership

• Lead and mentor quality personnel while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Coordinate daily quality activities with Program Management, Maintenance Control, Production, and Government representatives.
• Provide quality briefings to Senior Leadership and customer representatives.
• Support employee development and quality training initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Minimum of 8 years of aviation maintenance Quality Assurance experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a Quality Assurance leadership or management role.
• Extensive knowledge of COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 (NAMP).
• Previous H-53 platform experience (H-53E and/or CH-53K).
• Proficiency in Navy/Marine Corps Organizational Level maintenance procedures and processes
• Experience supporting NAVAIR aircraft maintenance, depot modifications, or flight test programs.
• Thorough understanding of naval aviation maintenance documentation and quality processes.
• Experience supervising QARs, CDQARs, and CDIs.
• Strong understanding of configuration management and technical data compliance.
• Experience conducting internal quality audits and managing corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting HX-21, PMA-261, PMA-202, or other NAVAIR flight test organizations.
• Experience supporting aircraft modification programs.
• Experience supporting Government Contract Quality Assurance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of Naval Aviation Quality Assurance principles.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance documentation and maintenance control.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical directives.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with Government and contractor personnel.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and mission success.
• Strong understanding of AS9100D, AS9110C, and ISO9001 requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and flight line environments that will be subjected to high noise areas, oils, fuel, adhesives, sealants and hydraulic fluids.
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, bending, and kneeling, crawling, and sitting.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions while supporting aircraft maintenance operations.
• Must be able to successfully complete all customer site access and fitness-for-duty requirements.

What We Offer:

• At ACET, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive Total Rewards program that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of our workforce. Our offerings are designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and well-being.
• Employee benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Program
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid Time Off
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program

Please note that all compensation, benefits, and policies are subject to change at the company's discretion. While we make every effort to provide advance notice of changes, adjustments may occur based on business needs, economic conditions, and industry standards.

**All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen to apply**

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

Drug Free Workplace:

ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.