Quality Manager at Onboard Systems International – Vancouver, Washington

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace industry. Signia designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of products, that include mission equipment, thermal management systems, engine technology, and propellers. The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.

Onboard Systems International is the leading global provider of external cargo handling equipment for civil and military helicopters. Founded nearly 50 years ago, the facility in Vancouver, WA has a growing product portfolio including mechanical cargo hooks and suspension systems, proprietary weighing systems and a Human External Cargo (HEC) line of equipment. In addition to serving every major OEM, the company heavily targets helicopter owners like municipals, fire, search and rescue operators and utility companies. In total, we serve over 1,000 customers around the world.

Position Overview

Location: Vancouver, WA (Onsite)

Shift: Mon-Fri 7:00am – 4:00pm

The Quality Manager is a critical leadership role reporting directly to the General Manager (GM) and responsible for administering, maintaining, and continuously improving the company’s Quality Management System (QMS). This role ensures compliance with AS9100 and applicable regulatory and customer requirements while fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

What You’ll Do

1. Quality Management System Leadership

• Own and administer the company-wide Quality Management System in accordance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer/regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA).
• Ensure the QMS is effective, scalable, and aligned with the company’s growth and product roadmap.
• Drive continuous improvement of quality processes, procedures, documentation, and controls.
• Manage the company’s Document Control Process and maintain documentation of quality procedures, processes, and compliance records.

2. Compliance & Customer Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external audits, including AS9100 certification audits, customer audits, and regulatory assessments.
• Prepare the organization for audits and lead audit responses, corrective actions, and follow-up activities.
• Build and maintain strong credibility and trust with aerospace OEM customers, auditors, and regulatory officials.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable standards, customer requirements, and contractual quality clauses.
• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections of products to include AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI).

3. Quality Assurance

• Lead investigations into quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., A3, 8D, 5-Why’s, RCCA).
• Support manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams with real-time quality guidance and issue resolution.
• Establish and track quality KPIs, trends, and performance metrics.
• Use data-driven insights to drive corrective actions, reduce risk, and improve product consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Lead internal audits and management reviews to ensure ongoing system effectiveness.
• Act as the subject matter expert for precision metrology tools (CMM, Keyence) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Administer and approve supplier audits.

4. Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program teams to embed quality into design, production, and supplier processes.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts with quality planning, risk assessments, and validation activities.
• Promote a proactive quality culture across the organization through training, mentorship, and leadership by example.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience in aerospace quality, with significant responsibility for AS9100-based quality systems.
• Deep working knowledge of aerospace quality principles and requirements.
• Experience working with major aerospace OEMs and their quality expectations.
• Proven audit experience (internal, customer, and/or certification audits).
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, discipline, and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to interact with customers, auditors, and leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a small but high-impact team.
• Champion for continuous improvement and optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• An understanding of FAA part 145 – 8130 signing requirements; DMIR experience a plus
• Basic understanding of metallurgy and material cert review.
• Understanding of Non-Destructive Testing techniques specifically Liquid Penetrant ASTM 1417 and Magnetic Particle inspection ASTM 1444.
• Current Lead Auditor Training to AS9100
• Background supporting NPI, supplier quality, and manufacturing quality operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• ASQ or other quality certifications (CQE, CQA) a plus.

What’s In It for You

• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution matching
• In addition to offering competitive wages and benefits, Onboard Systems also offers the opportunity to increase your future earnings tied to growth in company performance. We recognize employee contributions toward growing the business through our unique Growth Participation Unit program (GPU). GPUs are tied directly to company growth and reward all eligible employees with cash when the business grows over time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status