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Aerospace Defense Quality Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Talanto

$120K - $140K/yr

Ensure strict adherence to HSE, quality, and regulatory requirements (including applicable ... years managing Tier 1 or Tier 2 Suppliers (Aerospace & Defense experience strongly preferred)

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Aerospace Defense Quality Manager information

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$24K

$86.2K

$158K

How much do aerospace defense quality manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace defense quality manager in the United States is $86,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace defense quality manager do?

An Aerospace Defense Quality Manager oversees and ensures that products and processes in the aerospace and defense industry meet strict quality and regulatory standards. They lead quality assurance teams, develop testing procedures, and implement quality control measures throughout the production cycle. Their responsibilities include auditing suppliers, managing compliance with industry regulations such as AS9100, investigating quality issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The goal is to minimize defects, ensure safety, and meet customer and governmental requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace defense quality manager?

To thrive as an Aerospace Defense Quality Manager, you need expertise in quality assurance, aerospace manufacturing standards, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, statistical process control (SPC), and quality management systems (QMS) is essential, and certifications like CQE or Six Sigma are highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for driving continuous improvement and ensuring team alignment. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, reliable products that meet stringent industry standards and customer requirements.

What are some common challenges an aerospace defense quality manager faces, and how can they be addressed?

Aerospace Defense Quality Managers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, managing supplier quality, and ensuring consistent compliance with industry standards like AS9100. They must also address rapid technological changes and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering and manufacturing. Effective solutions include establishing robust quality management systems, fostering open communication across departments, and participating in ongoing training to stay updated on industry best practices.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Defense Quality Manager jobs?

For Aerospace Defense Quality Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Defense Quality Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,159 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Quality Manager - Aerospace & Defense Precision Manufacturing

Milford, CT • On-site

Laborup
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Laborupexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

We're hiring a hands-on Quality Manager to lead the quality function for a high-precision machine shop supporting the aerospace and defense industries.
This is a working leadership role. We need someone who can manage and develop the quality team while also being comfortable on the shop floor inspecting parts, reviewing documentation, resolving quality issues, and working directly with customers and manufacturing. The environment is heavily focused on traditional/manual inspection methods and strong quality fundamentals rather than highly automated quality systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and manage day-to-day quality operations and quality personnel.
  • Maintain quality documentation, procedures, inspection records, and customer requirements.
  • Support first article, in-process, and final inspection of precision-machined components.
  • Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
  • Work hands-on with micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, indicators, surface plates, comparators, and other traditional inspection equipment.
  • Manage nonconformances, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and customer quality issues.
  • Maintain compliance with aerospace and defense quality requirements and support internal/customer audits.
  • Partner closely with machinists, manufacturing leadership, and engineering to resolve issues and improve processes.
  • Train and develop inspectors while establishing accountability and strong quality practices throughout the shop.

Requirements
  • Quality leadership experience within a precision machining or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong preference for experience supporting aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries.
  • Strong understanding of machining processes, dimensional inspection, blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T.
  • Hands-on experience with traditional/manual inspection equipment.
  • Experience with AS9100/ISO quality systems, audits, NCRs, CAPA/root cause, and quality documentation.
  • Ability to communicate directly with customers regarding quality issues and corrective actions.
  • A leader who is willing to be hands-on and visible on the shop floor, not someone looking to manage quality entirely from behind a desk.

Benefits
  • Direct hire
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k match up to 3%
  • PTO

Apply