AERO EXCELLENCE Expert Engineer, EN 9145, APQP/PPAP
Thales Aerospace Communications
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Dourdan • France
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About the role
- Deploy and lead the AERO EXCELLENCE (GIFAS) approach and the EN 9145 (APQP/PPAP) requirements within the organization, following a structured continuous improvement mindset.
- Rapidly achieve Bronze level, prepare subsequent stages, and provide training, support and skills development for internal teams.
- Serve as the APQP/PPAP site reference and actively contribute to the AERO EXCELLENCE inter-company sharing program.
- Define the strategy to reach AERO EXCELLENCE Bronze level and ensure implementation of associated action plans.
- Prepare and lead internal progress and evaluation reviews.
- Provide reporting to Management and to GIFAS.
- Expertly deploy EN 9145 across all projects, products and industrial processes.
- Ensure compliance and robustness of APQP/PPAP processes for all new developments and major changes.
- Support project and operations teams in preparing and consolidating APQP/PPAP deliverables (advanced quality plans, FMEAs, control plans, validation dossiers, etc.).
- Initiate and lead major continuous improvement projects (Lean, 8D, QRQC, risk management, etc.) incorporating AERO EXCELLENCE requirements.
- Monitor and analyze progress indicators (project quality, adherence to APQP/PPAP milestones, lessons learned).
- Support the company in process audits and reviews.
- Design and deliver advanced training modules on EN 9145 and APQP/PPAP for all organizational levels.
- Train and coach project managers, engineers and managers on the operational deployment of the standard.
- Drive cultural change, raising awareness of project-quality approaches and collaborative working.
- Act as the company’s main contact within the AERO EXCELLENCE inter-company review program.
- Represent and promote the company during best-practice sharing and sector benchmarks (GIFAS, trade groups, etc.).
- Ensure completeness, updating, and safeguarding of all required quality documents and deliverables (plans, reports, conformity evidence…).
- Lead APQP/PPAP and EN 9145 conformity audits (internal, customer, GIFAS), analyze non-conformities and implement corrective action plans.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in engineering (Bac+5) or equivalent (ideally with a specialization in quality or aerospace).
- Minimum 10 years' professional experience in the aerospace industry, including at least 8 years in the practical, operational deployment of APQP/PPAP and EN 9145 (or equivalents).
- Proven experience managing and training multidisciplinary teams on project and quality methodologies.
- Significant involvement in sector-wide improvement or audit initiatives (e.g., AERO EXCELLENCE, EN 9100, customer audits).
- Strong, recognized expertise in EN 9145, APQP, PPAP.
- Advanced mastery of quality tools (FMEA, control plans, KPIs, problem-solving, 8D, QRQC…).
- Experience managing complex cross-functional projects (multi-discipline, multi-site).
- Ability to deliver training and provide individual and group coaching.
- Professional working proficiency in English required.
Benefits
- Management position
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
APQPPPAPEN 9145FMEAcontrol plansKPIsproblem-solving8DQRQCcontinuous improvement
Soft skills
trainingcoachingleadershipcollaborative workingcommunicationproject managementteam managementcultural changeanalytical skillsstrategic planning
Certifications
Master’s degree in engineeringEN 9100 certification