Pacific Aero Tech, LLC
JOB TITLE:
Director of Engineering & Quality
REPORTS TO:
VP of Operations
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
SHIFT:
Days – Monday through Friday
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Engineering & Quality provides senior-level technical leadership and regulatory oversight for Pacific Aero Tech’s Engineering, PMA, Technical Data, and Quality functions within an FAA Part 145 and EASA-regulated aerospace MRO and manufacturing environment.
This role is engineering-forward, with primary accountability for PMA strategy and execution, repair development, technical data approval, and FAA-facing engineering deliverables, while ensuring the Quality Management System (QMS) supports compliant, repeatable, and scalable operations.
The Director owns the integrity of all engineering outputs—including repair specifications, PMA artifacts, drawings, analyses, test data, and conformity—while serving as the primary FAA interface for engineering, PMA, and quality matters. This position partners closely with DERs, Operations, and executive leadership to advance new product development, repair capability expansion, and long-term regulatory readiness.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS The Director of Engineering & Quality models and promotes PAT’s Core Values of Quality, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Resourcefulness, and is expected to:
Lead with technical credibility and regulatory confidence
Establish clear ownership of engineering deliverables and timelines
Drive accountability for PMA, repair development, and compliance outcomes
Build strong, disciplined engineering and quality teams capable of supporting growth
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINEERING & PMA LEADERSHIP (Primary Focus)
Lead all engineering, PMA, and repair development activities, from concept through FAA approval and production release.
Own the PMA lifecycle, including project selection, FAA coordination, conformity planning, test strategy, compliance documentation, and ongoing support.
Oversee the creation, review, and approval of engineering drawings, analyses, repair specifications, DER-approved data, and technical substantiation packages.
Ensure all engineering data complies with FAA, EASA, customer, and internal requirements and is usable, clear, and production-ready.
Serve as the primary technical authority for engineering deviations, waivers, and non-standard repairs.
Coordinate closely with DERs and FAA engineers to support new and existing repair approvals and PMA articles.
Lead engineering investigations related to tooling equivalency, material qualification, first-article failures, in-process discrepancies, and customer returns.
Establish engineering standards, templates, and controls to ensure consistency, traceability, and audit readiness.
Drive engineering input into training program updates resulting from new repairs, PMA approvals, or process changes.
QUALITY & REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
Maintain executive ownership of PAT’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with FAA Part 145, EASA, and AS9100/AS9110 principles.
Serve as or oversee the Chief Inspector function, ensuring compliant inspection, documentation, release authority, and audit performance.
Act as the primary point of contact during FAA and EASA audits, surveillance, and conformity activities.
Oversee OpSpec changes, OE Manual updates, and regulatory submission(s) tied to engineering and PMA activities.
Ensure timely and effective RCCA for engineering- and quality-related issues, audit findings, and customer complaints.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
Lead structured engineering problem-solving using RCCA, FMEA, SPC, statistical analysis, and failure analysis techniques.
Establish data-driven metrics to track engineering throughput, PMA cycle time, defect escape rates, and technical data quality.
Drive standardization and process stability across engineering and inspection functions.
Mentor engineering and quality leaders to strengthen technical depth, decision-making, and regulatory confidence.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT & COLLABORATION
Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Facilities, and Executive Leadership on capacity planning, repair prioritization, PMA strategy, and growth initiatives.
Provide authoritative engineering and regulatory guidance to customers, suppliers, auditors, DERs, and regulatory agencies.
Ensure Engineering and Quality operate as integrated, aligned functions supporting operational execution and strategic growth.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Experience
8+ years aerospace engineering experience, including a minimum of 5 years of direct FAA-regulated experience
5+ years in progressively responsible engineering and/or quality leadership roles
Demonstrated leadership within an FAA Part 145 repair station environment
Proven experience supporting or leading PMA development, repair approvals, and DER coordination
Strong background in AS9100/AS9110, MRO operations, and regulatory audits
Technical Skills
Advanced knowledge of PMA requirements, FAA regulatory frameworks, and technical data control
Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
Expertise in RCCA, SPC, FMEA, and statistical methods
Ability to interpret and author engineering drawings, manuals, specifications, and regulatory documentation
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.
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Director of Engineering & Quality
REPORTS TO:
VP of Operations
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
SHIFT:
Days – Monday through Friday
POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Engineering & Quality provides senior-level technical leadership and regulatory oversight for Pacific Aero Tech’s Engineering, PMA, Technical Data, and Quality functions within an FAA Part 145 and EASA-regulated aerospace MRO and manufacturing environment.
This role is engineering-forward, with primary accountability for PMA strategy and execution, repair development, technical data approval, and FAA-facing engineering deliverables, while ensuring the Quality Management System (QMS) supports compliant, repeatable, and scalable operations.
The Director owns the integrity of all engineering outputs—including repair specifications, PMA artifacts, drawings, analyses, test data, and conformity—while serving as the primary FAA interface for engineering, PMA, and quality matters. This position partners closely with DERs, Operations, and executive leadership to advance new product development, repair capability expansion, and long-term regulatory readiness.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS The Director of Engineering & Quality models and promotes PAT’s Core Values of Quality, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Resourcefulness, and is expected to:
Lead with technical credibility and regulatory confidence
Establish clear ownership of engineering deliverables and timelines
Drive accountability for PMA, repair development, and compliance outcomes
Build strong, disciplined engineering and quality teams capable of supporting growth
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ENGINEERING & PMA LEADERSHIP (Primary Focus)
Lead all engineering, PMA, and repair development activities, from concept through FAA approval and production release.
Own the PMA lifecycle, including project selection, FAA coordination, conformity planning, test strategy, compliance documentation, and ongoing support.
Oversee the creation, review, and approval of engineering drawings, analyses, repair specifications, DER-approved data, and technical substantiation packages.
Ensure all engineering data complies with FAA, EASA, customer, and internal requirements and is usable, clear, and production-ready.
Serve as the primary technical authority for engineering deviations, waivers, and non-standard repairs.
Coordinate closely with DERs and FAA engineers to support new and existing repair approvals and PMA articles.
Lead engineering investigations related to tooling equivalency, material qualification, first-article failures, in-process discrepancies, and customer returns.
Establish engineering standards, templates, and controls to ensure consistency, traceability, and audit readiness.
Drive engineering input into training program updates resulting from new repairs, PMA approvals, or process changes.
QUALITY & REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
Maintain executive ownership of PAT’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with FAA Part 145, EASA, and AS9100/AS9110 principles.
Serve as or oversee the Chief Inspector function, ensuring compliant inspection, documentation, release authority, and audit performance.
Act as the primary point of contact during FAA and EASA audits, surveillance, and conformity activities.
Oversee OpSpec changes, OE Manual updates, and regulatory submission(s) tied to engineering and PMA activities.
Ensure timely and effective RCCA for engineering- and quality-related issues, audit findings, and customer complaints.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
Lead structured engineering problem-solving using RCCA, FMEA, SPC, statistical analysis, and failure analysis techniques.
Establish data-driven metrics to track engineering throughput, PMA cycle time, defect escape rates, and technical data quality.
Drive standardization and process stability across engineering and inspection functions.
Mentor engineering and quality leaders to strengthen technical depth, decision-making, and regulatory confidence.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT & COLLABORATION
Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Facilities, and Executive Leadership on capacity planning, repair prioritization, PMA strategy, and growth initiatives.
Provide authoritative engineering and regulatory guidance to customers, suppliers, auditors, DERs, and regulatory agencies.
Ensure Engineering and Quality operate as integrated, aligned functions supporting operational execution and strategic growth.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Experience
8+ years aerospace engineering experience, including a minimum of 5 years of direct FAA-regulated experience
5+ years in progressively responsible engineering and/or quality leadership roles
Demonstrated leadership within an FAA Part 145 repair station environment
Proven experience supporting or leading PMA development, repair approvals, and DER coordination
Strong background in AS9100/AS9110, MRO operations, and regulatory audits
Technical Skills
Advanced knowledge of PMA requirements, FAA regulatory frameworks, and technical data control
Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
Expertise in RCCA, SPC, FMEA, and statistical methods
Ability to interpret and author engineering drawings, manuals, specifications, and regulatory documentation
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.
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