Director of Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Quality & Engineering provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for Pacific Aero Tech's Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Inspection functions in an FAA Part 145 and EASA regulated aerospace MRO and manufacturing environment. This role drives product integrity, regulatory compliance, advanced engineering solutions, and a continuous improvement culture supporting both repair-station operations and new product development.

The Director ensures all technical data, repair specifications, PMA-related engineering work, and quality systems meet internal performance standards, external customer expectations, and all applicable regulatory requirements. This position leads cross-functional teams in design engineering, product support, quality systems, root-cause/Corrective Action (RCCA), structured problem solving, and continuous improvement—while serving as the primary FAA/EASA interface for engineering and quality matters.

In addition, this role leads New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives, ensuring successful transition from concept to production while meeting regulatory, quality, and customer requirements.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS:

The Director of Quality & Engineering models and promotes PAT's Core Values of Quality, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Resourcefulness, holding teams accountable to high standards of performance, communication, and collaboration. Leadership behaviors include:

· Building trust through consistent and transparent communication.

· Driving engagement, continuous learning, and operational discipline.

· Demonstrating grit, ownership, and accountability for outcomes.

· Inspiring teams to achieve operational, safety, and customer-focused goals

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP (Design, Development & Technical Data)

• Direct and coordinate personnel involved in the design, development, testing, and support of new products, repairs, and engineering projects.
• Oversee the creation, revision, and approval of all technical data, drawings, and documentation ensuring clarity and usability for mechanics and inspectors.
• Approve Repair Specifications, engineering deviations, and waivers used for civil aviation articles.
• Lead engineering analyses for tooling equivalency, material qualification, first-article failures, in-process discrepancies, and customer returns.
• Participate in program and design reviews to ensure engineering and product-quality objectives are met.
• Oversee changes to Training Programs driven by engineering or process changes.
• Ensure engineering solutions meet FAA DER expectations and coordinate on new and existing repairs.
• Lead structured problem-solving using RCCA, FMEA, statistical analysis, SPC, and other engineering tools.

QUALITY & REGULATORY LEADERSHIP

• Serve as the highest authority over PAT's Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with FAA Part 145, EASA, AS9100/AS9110 principles, and internal standards.
• Serve as or oversee the Chief Inspector role, ensuring compliance in inspection, audits, documentation, and release authority.
• Manage FAA 145 functions including OpSpec revisions, OE Manual updates, and audit readiness.
• Act as primary contact during FAA and EASA audits and facility visits.
• Ensure disciplined approaches to identifying and eliminating quality issues through training, metrics, and continuous improvement programs.
• Review and approve test procedures (functional, acceptance, qualification) for technical accuracy.
• Oversee customer complaint investigations, root cause identification, and timely corrective action closure.
• Ensure inspection, testing, calibration, and data validation processes meet regulatory and customer requirements.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Establish a multi-year CI roadmap focusing on waste reduction, process stability, improved throughput, and defect reduction.
• Lead strategy for quality and engineering integration to drive operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Use data analytics and trend analysis to prioritize issues and guide improvement efforts.
• Reduce variation in manufacturing and repair processes through application of SPC, statistical methods, process standardization, visual management, and gemba-based feedback loops.
• Coach teams in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3, 5-Why, DMAIC, and structured problem solving.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT & COLLABORATION

• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Facilities, and Executive Leadership on capacity planning, training, quality escapes, customer returns, product development, and overall operational strategy.
• Provide technical and compliance guidance to internal and external stakeholders including customers, DERs, vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure that quality and engineering departments operate as integrated, collaborative teams focused on shared outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years aerospace engineering experience; 5+ years in progressively responsible engineering/quality leadership roles.
• Proven success leading in an FAA Part 145 repair station environment.
• Experience with AS9100/AS9110, PMA, MRO operations, and DER collaboration strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in CI methodologies, structured problem solving, and quality systems.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in SolidWorks or similar CAD systems.
• Advanced understanding of QMS systems, RCCA, SPC, FMEA, statistical tools, and aerospace compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, manuals, specifications, and regulatory materials.
• Strong data analysis abilities including trend analysis, sampling plans, and performance metrics.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to motivate engineering, inspection, and quality teams in a matrixed environment.
• High emotional intelligence, conflict-resolution skills, and ability to influence across functions.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Other Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person
• Safety Sensitive Position.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform duties in both office and chemical-based manufacturing environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· This position requires work to be performed on-site in Kent, Washington.

· Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

· Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

· Ability to use a computer, communicate effectively in English, and interact with team members in both office and shop environments.

· Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, operating engineering tools, and conducting inspections.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Combination of professional office, engineering labs, and manufacturing/repair-station environments. Exposure to chemicals, odors, temperature fluctuations, and production activity is possible. Safety compliance is mandatory.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

· This is a full-time, exempt position.

· The company complies with all Washington State and federal labor laws, including those related to equal employment opportunity, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.

· The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

· Requests for reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process will be considered in accordance with Washington State law.

Pay: $140, $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person