EPU Quality Program Manager

The EPU Quality Program Manager at Archer is responsible for leading quality initiatives across powertrain components. This includes coordinating actions across various teams, establishing quality processes, driving improvements in manufacturing practices, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, they will oversee design validation, report on quality performance, and identify potential risks while supporting continuous improvement.

To qualify for the EPU Quality Program Manager role at Archer, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial) along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with quality standards such as AS9100 and tools for inspection, as well as experience in aerospace manufacturing, is also essential.

At Archer, the work environment is dynamic and collaborative. The EPU Quality Program Manager will work alongside a diverse team, focusing on innovative projects and fostering strong relationships across various departments. The company promotes inclusivity and values the unique contributions of all team members.

As an EPU Quality Program Manager at Archer, you will engage with various tools and systems, including MES systems, CAD, PLM, and ERP software. Experience with creating and approving first article inspections, as well as familiarity with APQP processes like PPAPs and FMEAs, will be highly beneficial.

Archer fosters a culture of continuous improvement through the EPU Quality Program by implementing rigorous metrics and KPIs to monitor quality performance. The EPU Quality Program Manager will lead initiatives such as root cause analysis and corrective actions while also developing training for stakeholders to ensure adherence to quality practices and standards.

A solid response would include specific examples of quality assurance roles and responsibilities you've had in aerospace manufacturing, emphasizing your familiarity with industry standards like AS9100. Discuss how you contributed to quality improvements, managed defect resolutions, or worked with cross-functional teams effectively.

Share your expertise in developing and utilizing metrics and KPIs such as SPC and DPMO. Explain how you analyze these metrics to identify areas for improvement and ensure quality standards are met or exceeded during the production process.

Highlight your communication skills and collaborative approach. Describe an instance where you facilitated discussions, addressed concerns, and guided both teams toward a satisfactory resolution, focusing on maintaining quality standards while fostering a team-oriented environment.

Discuss your practical experience implementing SPC in previous roles. Outline your approach to identifying variances in processes, utilizing control charts, and driving corrective actions to ensure process stability and improved quality outcomes.

Emphasize that communication is critical in quality management as it fosters collaboration among teams, ensures that quality expectations are understood, and enhances the ability to address quality issues promptly. Provide examples of how you've actively engaged diverse stakeholders to relay quality initiatives effectively.

Share a specific example where you led a quality improvement initiative, detailing the challenge, actions you took, the collaborative efforts involved, and the measurable results achieved. Focus on how this positively affected product quality or operational efficiency.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning, including any certifications, workshops, or professional organizations you are involved in. Highlight your proactive approach to staying informed about new regulations, tools, and best practices in the aerospace quality assurance domain.

Be honest about specific challenges and how you've overcome them, whether they relate to regulatory compliance, production delays, or stakeholder alignment. Discuss the lessons learned and how they shaped your approach to future challenges.

Talk about your strategies for developing training programs that cater to different expertise levels within the team. Share examples of creating engaging, informative training sessions that emphasize the importance of adhering to quality standards in everyday tasks.

Discuss your perspective on critical quality standards like AS9100 or AS9145, explaining why they are vital for safety and reliability in aerospace manufacturing. Emphasize how adherence to these standards can enhance product quality and boost customer confidence.