Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you.

Role Summary

The Manager, Quality Assurance is responsible for executing on the strategy for quality assurance programs for the Maintenance and Engineering (M&E) Division at Alaska Airlines. As a people leader, the Manager, QA leads and establishes priorities for the team to development, implement, and document quality assurance programs and to identify and monitor the growing risks associated with a dynamic maintenance operation.

Key Duties

Leads team and establishes priorities of a staff of QA auditors and promotes a high performance culture developing people through effective performance management and ongoing feedback, focusing on delegation for stretch assignments, growing and developing the team for capacity and growth, looking at performance across the team, and time management.
Maintains a training program to develop auditors that are fact finders, risk-focused, willing to seek solutions, and unwavering in matters of compliance and safety.
Executes on strategy related to quality assurance and compliance programs to prevent, identify, and resolve non-compliance.
Oversees and makes decisions related to standards and checklists developed by the auditors to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and Alaska Airlines policies and procedures.
Reviews audit records/reports for comprehensiveness of audits and auditor’s findings for proper identification of causes as well as development, tracking, follow-up, and closure of effective corrective/preventive actions.
Collaborates with auditors in seeking solutions to audit findings that are comprehensive and sustainable in preventing future non-compliance.
Supports the Data Analysis Group (DAG) and the Continuing Analysis and Surveillance/Safety Review Board by presenting summaries of data collection, root cause analysis, and trend identification.
Interacts with other departments and divisions within Alaska Airlines as well as outside maintenance vendors on quality assurance matters.
Maintains a transparent relationship with the Alaska Airlines Certificate Management Office.
Coordinates with the Manager of Regulatory Compliance regarding regulatory compliance audits, staffing needs, and FAA liaison needs.
Shapes culture of team through action, presence, and reinforcement of behaviors

Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills

Required

5 years of experience in an aircraft maintenance environment.
2 years of quality control or quality assurance experience.
2 years of leadership experience.
Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
Understanding of quality assurance programs, including data collection tools, root cause analysis, and trending.
Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), especially those regulations specific to the maintenance functions of an air carrier.
Understanding of an air carrier Safety Management System (SMS).
Ability to manage a team of auditors with diverse experiences and significant time out-of-office conducting audits.
Ability and willingness to manage a flexible audit schedule that focuses on the immediate risks to the operation.
Ability to mediate adversarial parties in seeking comprehensive/sustainable solutions to non-compliant events.
Excellent communication (e.g., verbal, written, and listening) and interpersonal skills.
Detail oriented and highly organized, with ability to multi-task and work independently with limited guidance in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum age of 18.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

Experience with computer-based tracking programs.
Quality certification.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate.
Experience managing a diverse and dynamic auditing staff.
Experience with FAA Liaison activities.

Job-Specific Leadership Expectations

Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.

Salary Range

$117,850 - $176,800 / year