RPA Maintenance Quality Assurance Representative

Employee will be part of the Deployment Pool and will be required to support deployments to various locations as required. The RPA Quality Assurance Representative, functioning in an aircraft hangar and flight line environment; monitors, inspects, and evaluates the work effort of assigned maintenance personnel in support of the unit’s daily RPA operations. Assists the Quality Manager in developing, implementing, and monitoring the Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to effectively maintain the cost, schedule, and technical performance of the RPA Maintenance (Mx) program at the site level. Supports QA functions of the contract, including all aspects of compliance with applicable DoD directives and principles of sound flight and maintenance discipline. Assures the RPA program is AS9110 compliant. On-site Lead for all quality-related questions and concerns.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Monitor, inspect and evaluate the work effort of assigned maintenance personnel in support of the unit’s daily RPA operations. 
• Assist the Quality Manager in developing, implementing, and monitoring the Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). 
• Lead internal quality audits, execute Lean/Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) initiatives, and coordinate external quality audits and reporting.  
• Interface with the RPA QM and Mx department leads to identify quality issues, resolve problems, and implement effective corrective action.  
• Provide advice and guidance in interpreting company, program, and government standards and regulations, including ISO 9001 and AS9100/9110 registrations.  
• Oversee Maintenance Quality Assurance Evaluator augmentees (QAE) at each assigned location.   
• Provide guidance to managers and supervisors to assist them in the interpretation of, and compliance with, quality related contract requirements. 
• Participate in safety committee meetings to offer quality-related improvements for any safety, health, and environmental concerns across the program.  
• Measure, compile, and report QA performance metrics and relevant benchmarks as required by the Quality Manager and customer representatives. 
• Use Company proprietary and government furnished computer-based tools, as well as written policies, procedures, and directives to conduct maintenance activities and assess manufacturer, customer, and company related information. 
• Direct and assure that maintenance personnel comply with all manufacturer Airworthiness Directives, Engineering Authorizations, and Service Bulletins, as well as company and customer defined policies and procedures for the maintenance of the RPA fleet. 
• Coordinate with the Site Manager to ensure that required training is provided and documented for unit personnel.  
• Coordinate closely with the RPA Quality Manager to execute an effective surveillance and inspection/safety program. 
• Align company standards and practices with customer accepted policies and procedures, including compliance with applicable directives and related instructions. 
• Adhere to contract standards as defined in the contract (including modifications), and the statement of work (as amended). 
• Review the local maintenance delays and system discrepancies to develop and implement appropriate measures to improve overall performance. 
• Perform all other duties and tasks as directed by the Quality Manager and/or Site Manager.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have High School Diploma or have completed relevant military and/or vocational technical school curriculum.
• Minimum of ten (10) years actual flight-line maintenance operations and activities experience.  
• Minimum of four (4) years actual maintenance experience on MQ-9. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience, as a quality inspector/auditor on a related program, or U.S. Air Force Quality Assurance experience  
• Must have excellent communication, analytical, project management and supervisory skills 
• Must obtain U.S. Air Force Weight and Balance Certificate during first deployment.  
• Must possess expert knowledge of technical publications related to aircraft mechanical maintenance 
• Must know theory and principles of operation of engines, accessories and components, theory of flight and electronic flight controls, and have an expert understanding of applicable systems 
• Must have desktop computer skills with proficiency in full range of Microsoft Office products; must be capable of preparing quality and safety level reports and presentations. 
• Must have a practical knowledge of company policies, procedures, and practices sufficient to perform as an effective, informed supervisor. 
• Employee must meet all OCONUS deployment criteria, to include pre-deployment medical screening, as a condition of employment 
• Must be able to Deploy to Forward Locations (other countries) as Directed by the Government
• Must be able to lift, carry and/or wear Military Issued Equipment in excess of 50 pounds for extended periods 
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English 
• Must have had an Active Secret US Government Clearance within the last 12 months.  Note: US citizenship is required to obtain a Secret clearance. 
• Must be able to maintain required DoD security clearance commensurate with the assigned duties during employment
• Must submit updated SF-86 within 30 days of hire start date 
• Must have valid U.S. Passport with a minimum of two years remaining with at least two facing pairs (four total) of blank Visa pages 
• Superior interpersonal and organizational abilities 
• Willingness to work odd hours to include some evenings, weekends, and holidays 
• Must have current/active State Issued Driver’s License 
• Ability and willingness to travel to dispersed operating locations across the US and OCONUS 
• Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with booster. Accommodations may be available under limited circumstances.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a relevant career field 
• ISO 9001:2008 Lead Auditor Certification is preferred 
• U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Deployment experience 
• Experience in bare-base set-up/tear-down in support of MQ-9 operations 
• Prior experience as a Defense Contractor 
• Current/expired FAA Airframe and Powerplant license 
• Aircraft maintenance experience within the last 10 years