Lead Quality Engineer

Job Description Summary

As a Lead Quality Engineer, you will act as the key quality interface with the assigned customer and coordinate internal quality activities across one or more production programs throughout the product lifecycle. You will be responsible for New Product Introduction (NPI), product qualification and process validation, and manufacturing support for assigned products. You will also manage nonconformities, leading investigations that identify the root cause and define the corrective actions needed to improve the process. In addition, you will carry out product certification activities in line with the applicable training and authorization requirements.

Working with cross-functional teams, you will ensure alignment with customer quality requirements and contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality improvement strategies for your assigned programs.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary quality interface for an assigned customer and one or more production programs. Manage Avio Aero’s quality rating on the customer portal, quality-related communications, customer complaints, reported quality issues, and customer audits, coordinating internal stakeholders and follow-up actions through to completion
• Coordinate quality activities throughout all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI), including product qualification and process validation. Ensure the effective implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, coordinating the application and updating of the required tools and deliverables, including Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (pFMEA) and Control Plans
• Provide manufacturing quality support for designated products within assigned programs, including product changes (CID), process changes and associated validations, product audits, root cause analysis of customer-reported quality escapes, and Return to Vendor (RTV) management
• Manage product nonconformities throughout the component lifecycle, ensuring rigorous analysis and the application of structured investigation and problem-solving methodologies in accordance with customer requirements. Coordinate cross-functional inputs and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions
• Support product certification activities by completing and maintaining the training and authorizations required for the assigned scope of work. Perform certification activities as required by the business and strictly within the scope of the authorizations held
• Contribute to the definition of quality improvement strategies for assigned programs, ensuring agreed actions are feasible, coordinating implementation with relevant functions, and monitoring progress and effectiveness
• Monitor compliance with applicable standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Define, monitor, and analyze the main quality KPIs for the assigned programs, identifying trends and improvement opportunities

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline
• Proven experience in Quality Assurance within the aerospace and/or metal-mechanical industry
• Fluency in written and spoken English to effectively manage customer communications and technical discussions
• Sound knowledge and practical application of the main quality tools and methodologies, including 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and pFMEA

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, including GD&T

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and coordinate activities to deliver role objectives
• Work Visa, in accordance with local regulations, is required

Desired Characteristics:

• Ability to influence without direct authority, build cross-functional alignment, and facilitate shared solutions when addressing critical issues and increasingly complex situations
• Solid, hands-on experience in a similar role within the aviation industry
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards and requirements, such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), AS13100, and AS9102 (First Article Inspection)
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher), or proven experience in applying continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience in managing customer audits and in using customer quality portals
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Minitab, Power BI, advanced Excel)
• Proactive, results-oriented approach, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities at the same time

Why Join Us:

At Avio Aero, people power our progress. That’s why we invest in an environment where you can develop professionally, feel valued personally, and enjoy a healthy balance between work and life. As part of the CCNL Metalmeccanico framework, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Performance-related bonuses and local bonus scheme

• Flexible benefits platform with company contributions

• Employee pension plan with company contribution

• Life and accident insurance

• Private complementary medical coverage

• Sponsored canteen or meal vouchers where no canteen is available

• Global wellbeing program to support your physical, financial, social, and emotional wellbeing including Employee Assistance Program

• Recognition awards to celebrate service and achievements

• Local special agreements, discounts and special offers

• English and languages training for you and one member of your family

• Ongoing technical, leadership, and development training to help you build your career

Contract Level: CCNL metalmeccanico – level B2

Salary range for this role: 39.675,00 euro - 59.512,50 euro + Performance-related bonus + PDR up to 6000 euro  
Compensation will be defined within the published salary range, reflecting the candidate’s experience, developed skills, and overall alignment with the role’s responsibilities. 

Join us! 
Avio Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a culture of respect, where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Join us and be part of a team where your talent, ideas, and ambition can help shape the future of flight. Apply now and see your career take flight! 

Additional Information