Director of Quality at Universal Avionics – Tucson, Arizona

Summary

Want to be part of a team that's leading the future of aviation? Universal Avionics seeks a Director of Quality responsible for providing leadership, guidance, oversight, and the necessary resources for the Quality organization to maintain regulatory compliance as well as the integrity of the Quality Policy and the Business Management System (BMS).

Universal Avionics (UA) has been in business for over 40 years, continuously making huge strides in business, commercial, and military avionics. Our company continues to move the avionics industry forward by designing the next generation of technology as well as the latest iterations of our flagship products to ensure easier management and safety & reliability of all phases of flight.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Quality serves as the senior-most authority for the company on matters of quality and compliance with the FAA and other foreign or domestic regulatory agencies.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Company’s Quality Management System in alignment with FAA regulations (e.g., FAR Parts 21 and 145) and AS9100 quality requirements.
• Prepare and present quality reports to senior leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies, including participation in certification audits.
• Analyze quality metrics, trends, and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma and Lean methodologies.
• Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors to foster accountability, operational excellence, and a proactive quality approach.
• Direct reports include the Manager of Quality for Manufacturing, the Manager of Quality for Repair, Service and the BMS, and both Quality Assurance Engineering organizations.
• The Director will be a leading contributor to New Product Introduction (NPI) and Technology Transfer initiatives at all levels of the repair and manufacturing processes.

Competency

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

Written Communication Skills

The Director will respond in written form to inquiries via mail and electronic mail. Timely answers to written correspondence are required. A record of all customer contacts is required with follow-up and coordination with others in the department and within UASC as required. Weekly status reports, including activities in key project areas, will be prepared and submitted to upper management.

Project Management Skills

The Director must be able to utilize project management skills in organizing and tracking complex programs. These skills should include use of project management software such as Microsoft Project or Milestones to create Gantt charts and other output necessary for resource management and schedule tracking.

Leadership Skills

• Leadership skills should be in alignment with Company values, policies, and applicable laws.
• Communicates and provides direction and alignment of team and individual goals with department and company goals.
• Delivers effective performance leadership and planning in team communication, work direction, creating a collaborative team and identifying roadblocks.
• Effectively communicates expectations related to productivity, quality, behavior, and any other performance standards.

• Effectively identifies and communicates work performance expectations to individuals and ensures alignment with job requirements, work performance output and organizational goals.
• Formally meets with reports one-on-one on an appropriate schedule to ensure effective coordination and employee development; at least monthly.

• Leads by example; supports the company and management team; consistently models desired behaviors expected from others.

• Demonstrate the L.E.A.D (Listen, Example setting, Attitude and Do) attributes of an effective UASC leader, as well as the Next Institute feedback and coaching models.

Minimum Qualifications

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• BS or BA Degree in Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of ten years’ experience in Aviation Management related fields with a demonstrated track record of managing highly trained technical personnel is required.
• A thorough understanding of complex modern avionics systems and Part 21 & 145 FAA certification and Quality system requirements/procedures is required.
• Experience with aircraft OEM quality systems/requirements strongly desired

Computer Skills

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet, and possess an aptitude for learning other contact management systems and databases.

Language Skills

Must be fluent in the English language and be able to communicate in a professional manner. An even temperament and courteous manner are a must.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply concepts of arithmetic, statistics, and failure analysis to calculate, interpret and present technical data.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to think critically to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited information exists.

Work Environment

The work environment is comprised of a combination of office, manufacturing, and lab environments. Noise levels are usually low to moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to use hands and arms to manipulate and shuffle documents, use writing instruments, and type on a keyboard. May occasionally require lifting of up to 15 pounds.

What We Offer:

• Benefits eligibility starts on your first day as a full-time employee at Universal Avionics.
• Medical insurance (multiple plan options, including low-deductible PPO)
• Preventive care covered at 100%
• Affordable copays for doctor visits, urgent care, and prescriptions
• Teladoc virtual care access
• Vision coverage through VSP (includes exams, frames, and lenses)
• Dental insurance (covers preventive, basic, and major services)
• 401(k) with immediate safe harbor match (100% match on up to 4% of pay after 60 days)
• 9/80 work schedule option – every other Friday off
• Vacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidays (including a week in December)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
• Wellness programs:
  • Vitality (earn rewards for healthy habits)
  • One Pass Select (discounted access to gyms, fitness apps, and more)
  • Travel assistance and employee discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and emotional wellness support:
  • Up to 3 free counseling visits per issue/year through Reliance Matrix
  • Up to 6 free counseling sessions per issue/year through Health Advocate
  • Includes mental health, financial, legal, work-life, medical navigation, and life coaching support
• And more!

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Universal Avionics offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit, agile culture of a mid-sized company, with the resources and global impact of our parent company, Elbit Systems.
• Our team is driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared passion for aviation safety.
• Here's what makes our work environment thrive:
• A collaborative, supportive team of skilled professionals and mentors
• Groundbreaking projects that shape the future of avionics technology
• A company culture that promotes innovation, career growth, and continuous learning
• Meaningful work that impacts air travel safety around the world
• A strong work-life balance, including a 9/80 schedule option

To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit: www.UniversalAvionics.com

Universal Avionics’ products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As part of our compliance process, we inquire about work authorization and citizenship status to ensure alignment with these regulations.