Vice President of Safety, Quality, Compliance

• Establish and champion the strategic vision for quality systems in adherence to AS9100, AS9110, and ISO 9001 standards


• Oversee QC and QA protocols across MRO, modification, and flight operations to ensure airworthiness and zero-defect deliveries


• Drive root-cause analysis, CAPA programs, and continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodologies


• Champion the company-wide Safety Management System and promote a transparent, non-punitive just culture


• Direct Environmental Health and Safety operations for OSHA, EPA, and state/federal compliance


• Lead aircraft mishap, occupational incident, and near-miss investigations and establish corrective measures


• Serve as primary executive liaison to FAA, DCMA, DOD, and foreign civil aviation authorities


• Oversee DCMA Instruction 8210.1 compliance and ground/flight risk management for military contract operations


• Direct internal and external quality audits, regulatory inspections, and customer oversight reviews


• Partner with Procurement and Logistics on vendor quality management and supplier audits


• Ensure traceability, counterfeit part prevention, and AS6174/AS5553 compliance across the global supply chain


• Mentor and lead Quality Directors, Safety Managers, Inspectors, and Compliance Specialists across domestic and forward-deployed sites


• Provide data-driven quality, safety, and compliance reports to the Executive Leadership Team


• Travel regularly to support safety, quality, and compliance engagement and planning


• Report directly to the Chief Operating Officer

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business, Quality Management, or a related field preferred


• Ten (10) or more years of progressive leadership experience in aviation quality, safety, and regulatory compliance within MRO, defense contracting, or aerospace manufacturing


• Proven track record developing and executing strategies in government and commercial aviation environments


• Strong understanding of DCMA Instruction 8210.1, FAA Part 145, FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and AS9100/AS9110 standards


• Ability to write reports and business correspondence


• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and provide calm, decisive direction


• Ability to translate audit findings, safety risk assessments, and technical compliance data into strategic insights


• Ability to apply basic math and algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions


• Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions


• Ability to use a computer and related technology effectively


• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally and on short notice


• Active Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one, required


• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license strongly preferred


• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE) or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred


• Successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, which may include a background check and drug screening


• Ability to travel regularly; stated travel expectation is 30%–40%

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in aviation quality management, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence, with a strong focus on AS9100, AS9110, and ISO 9001 standards. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure operational excellence in MRO and defense contracting environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Aviation Quality Management


• Regulatory Compliance


• Lean Six Sigma Methodologies


• DCMA Instruction 8210.1


• FAA Airframe & Powerplant License

Hard Skills

• Root-Cause Analysis


• CAPA Programs


• Quality Audits


• Data-Driven Reporting


• Technical Compliance


• Risk Management


• Continuous Improvement


• Safety Management Systems


• Traceability


• Counterfeit Part Prevention

Soft Skills

• Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Decisive Direction


• Effective Communication


• Mentoring


• Problem Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE)


• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt


• Active Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

• MRO


• Defense Contracting


• Aerospace Manufacturing


• FAA


• EPA


• OSHA


• ITAR


• FAR/DFARS


• Zero-Defect Deliveries


• Environmental Health and Safety

Tools & Technologies

• Quality Management Systems


• Safety Management Systems


• Compliance Reporting Tools


• Data Analysis Software


• Audit Management Tools