Aircraft Quality Assurance Manager - Internal Only

This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $85,000+ annual, Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime)
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Manager of Quality Assurance and Compliance position is responsible for the overall operation of the Quality Assurance Department for the UND Aerospace FAA Part 145 Repair Station and will have the final authority in the releasing to service of aircraft airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, and the components/parts. 

It is also responsible for directing, planning and laying out details of inspection standards, methods, and procedures used by the repair station in complying with all applicable CFR’s, manufacturers specifications, and recommendations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• FAA Designated Quality Assurance Manager for UND Aerospace FAA Repair Station OG5R092N and UND Aerospace Foundation Repair Station OG5D092N:
  • To provide UND Aerospace students and customers with the safest aircraft by maintaining the highest quality of workmanship and professionalism.
  • Supervise, assist and direct all personnel assigned to the Quality Assurance Department.
  • Be responsible for the quality assurance and regulatory compliance of the UND Aerospace aircraft fleet composed of 140+ airplanes and helicopters.
  • Ascertain that all aircraft inspections are properly performed; including the completion of the repair station inspection records, reports, and forms.
  • Provide for continuity of inspection responsibility, assuring completion of required inspections when personnel shift or assignment changes (shift carry over).
  • Oversee compliance of all FAA approved STC installations (Supplemental Type Certificates), all FAA 337’s (Major Repair and Alteration), and all FAA approved Field Approvals.
  • Assign authorization to inspectors when qualified/approved to perform the duties of Quality Assurance Inspectors. This includes issuance of Quality Control stamp and maintaining and securing of the “Roster of authorized Inspection personnel & Inspection Stamp Control Log” per our Part 145 Repair Station Manual.
  • Supervise the Performance of preliminary, in-progress, hidden damage and Approval for Return to service inspection of all products maintained as required by the UND’s FAA approved Part 145 Repair Station #OG5R092N.
  • Research and comply with FAA A.D.’s (Airworthiness Directives), manufacturers S.B.’s (Service Bulletins), S.L. (Service Letters) and regulatory requirements. Comply with all FAA Regulations pertaining to Part 145 Repair Stations.
  • Supervise the Performance of scheduled inspections on airplane and helicopter aircraft, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the Federal aviation regulations, and UND Aerospace maintenance policies and procedures manual. 
  • Determine time life limits and inspection intervals for aircraft components. Determine proper components and parts application.
  • Preserving and Maintaining a current file of Pertinent CFR’s, specifications, type certification sheets, and airworthiness directives.
  • Ensure compliance with our Part 145 Repair Station manual in regards to the proper tagging and identification of all parts and components when they are removed from an aircraft.
  • Oversee aircraft return to service procedures following FAR 91.213.d deferrals, and Part 91 MEL’s (Minimum equipment list).
  • Ensure compliance with our Part 145 Repair Station manual in regards to periodic checks on all specialized inspection tools and calibrated precision test equipment that is used by the repair station.
  • Must be willing to attend and promote UND Aerospace and UND Aerospace Maintenance department at open houses, training sessions, vision planning, student events, family weekend, etc.
  • In the Absence of the Director of Maintenance, must be available in the event of an aircraft incident, aircraft accident, or for any type of emergency situation requiring our maintenance departments assistance. 
•  Oversee the compliance of 20+ maintenance technicians with FAA Federal regulations, correct operational procedures and manufacturers guidelines, when performing the following maintenance procedures
  • Correcting of aircraft discrepancies.
  • Troubleshooting and repairing inoperative systems or components.
  • Reading and following manufacturer’s schematics and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Determining correct manufacturer part numbers for replacement for parts.
  • Performing sheet metal repairs: must be able to read and follow manufacturers “Structural Repair Manuals” and maintain a thorough knowledge of all applicable airframe structures and components. Inspect aircraft sheet metal structure for defects and repair damaged areas using precision hand tools, power tools, rivet guns, etc.
  • Conducting routine maintenance on hydraulic systems, landing gear and other mechanical equipment.
  • Performing powerplant repairs.
  • Repairing aircraft components such as ignition systems (magnetos), starters, alternators, control valves, fuel systems, etc.…
  • Performing aircraft weight and balance calculations.
  • Performing aircraft ground operations and engine performance checks.
  • Maintaining and servicing aircraft propellers. 
•  Liaison with aircraft manufacturers, vendors, FAA, UND satellite operations and maintenance providers
  • Initiate written and verbal contract with aircraft manufacturers and satellite maintenance providers to procure aircraft repairs, modifications and improvements to enhance aircraft reliability and efficiency.
  • Represent UND Aerospace as liaison to aircraft manufacturers in matters involving product improvement, product repair methods, and to expedite the correction of situations involving safety or hazards.
  • Per our FAA Part 145 repair station, complete and file FAA Malfunctions and Defect reports anytime a part or product fails.
  • Craft a professional working relationship with our local FAA (PMI) Principal Maintenance Inspectors. Must work closely with our FAA PMI’s for all Repair Station changes/updates/concerns.
  • Monitor maintenance performed on UND aircraft based at UND Aerospace satellite operations. 
•  Supervise electronic record entry and assure accurate and timely data is entered to maintain FAA compliance
  • Review completed work orders for signatures, inspector stamps, correct dates and the proper approval for “returning the aircraft to service statements” in accordance with CFR 43 and the FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
  • Ensure work orders are organized/filed numerically and safely stored per our Part 145 repair station requirements.
  • Account for open work orders on a monthly basis to ensure accountability for all labor hours.
  • Ensure parts are requisitioned to proper item on work order. 
•  Final authority for incoming inspection of all aircraft parts delivered to UND Aerospace
  • Conduct the preliminary, hidden damage, in-progress, and final inspection of all aircraft articles purchased by the repair station and record the results in accordance with our Part 145 repair station manual.
  • Accomplish the final acceptance of all incoming aircraft materials including new pats, supplies, and the airworthiness of articles on which work has been performed outside the repair station.
  • Identify non-approved, condemned or unairworthy parts.
  • Responsible for disposition of parts removed from aircraft. 

Required Competencies

• An advanced understanding of aviation maintenance procedures and techniques.
• Able to read, understand, and follow technical publications, electrical schematics, troubleshooting charts, and aviation technical data.
• Ability to operate diagnosis equipment and analysis data.
• Skilled in operation of specialty equipment used to maintain aircraft – requires competence with hands-on work
• Good interpersonal/oral/written communication skills.
• Positive leadership skills.
• The ability to lift/move bulky or heavy objects, up to 75 pounds.
• Attention to details.
• Computer skills.
• A high level of mechanical aptitude.

Minimum Requirements

• Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance or equivalent education and/or experience.
• FAA A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Certificate.
• 8 years of experience as a certified A&P technician working in general aviation.
• 3 years of experience with an Inspection Authorization certificate.
• Currency requirement of FAR Part 65.83.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance or related field.
• 3 years’ experience working in a FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Experience designated as a Quality Control Manger for a FAA Part 145 Repair Station.
• Experience working on Piper single and multi-engine aircraft, Cessna single engine aircraft, and rotary wing aircraft experience.
• FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School education.