We are seeking a Quality Specialist to execute and help mature a proactive product surveillance program across our manufacturing cells. This is a highly visible, floor-embedded role designed to reduce scrap, prevent escapes, and strengthen quality performance through real-time engagement in the build process.
This is not a desk-based QMS or Quality Engineer position. This role will serve as a roving quality presence across manufacturing operations, independently conducting product and process surveillance, supporting inspection and first article activities, and exercising stop-work authority when a nonconformance is identified. Success requires the judgment and communication skills to turn quality concerns into constructive coaching moments while maintaining strong partnerships with Operations.

Key Responsibilities
Product Surveillance & Audit Execution (Primary Focus - ~60-70%)
• Execute proactive product surveillance audits across aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Observe product builds in real time to verify adherence to inspection criteria, work instructions, documentation, and process requirements.
• Exercise authority to stop or pause production when a nonconformance is identified, then engage cell leadership and the appropriate quality or engineering resources to address the issue.
• Conduct approximately 30 surveillance audits per week across prioritized programs as a core performance expectation.
• Support AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) and workbook/documentation closeout activities, including review of parts inspection information and build records.

Process Audits & Manufacturing Discipline (~30-40%)
• Conduct process audits including PPE compliance, hazardous material controls, work instruction adherence, and calibration status.
• Verify that manufacturing documentation and traceability requirements are consistently met.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Quality Engineers (MQEs) and Operations to identify systemic audit themes and determine appropriate follow-up actions.

Root Cause & Corrective Action
• Participate in and support structured root cause analysis and corrective action activities using methods such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D.
• Partner with MQEs and cross-functional teams to help implement and sustain corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Support reduction of scrap, rework, PRB involvement, and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Maintain and track corrective action progress as required.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Collect and analyze quality data to identify trends, high-risk build activities, and areas where product surveillance should be prioritized.
• Use Excel, Pareto charts, Power BI, and other available analytical tools to communicate trends and prioritize improvement efforts.
• Support measurable reductions in defect rates, scrap, rework, and operational waste through proactive surveillance and follow-up.
• Contribute to lean and continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing cells.

APQP & Quality Systems Development
• Support the execution and maturation of APQP-related tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP) as site processes evolve.
• Assist in strengthening product audit systems, surveillance methodologies, and supporting data processes as the site's quality systems mature.
• Work effectively within ERP/SAP-type environments and evolving digital quality systems; contribute practical input that improves process controls, data visibility, and sustainable improvements.

Customer & Supplier Support
Provide audit findings and product build insights to Customer Quality and Production leadership as needed.
• Support customer and supplier audits by supplying technical data and build insights.
• Assist Supplier Development Engineering in resolving vendor discrepancies when required.

What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
• Reduced scrap and cost of poor quality through proactive intervention.
• Matured and expanded product surveillance program across key revenue parts.
• Established credibility and trust across manufacturing cells.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in connecting product and process observations to broader quality risks and improvement opportunities.
• Successfully exercised stop-work authority when required while maintaining credibility, trust, and a coach-oriented partnership with manufacturing teams.

Qualifications
Required
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) and parts inspection activities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct product and/or process audits with minimal oversight.
• Working experience participating in root cause analysis and corrective action activities in a production environment (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D).
• Basic working knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing inspection principles, measurement tools, and quality documentation.
• Working proficiency with quality data analysis and common business systems, including Excel and ERP/SAP-type environments; ability to navigate Power BI or similar reporting tools.
• Ability to operate with authority and influence on the manufacturing floor while remaining approachable, tactful, and coach-oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate audit findings to operators, supervisors, engineers, and leadership.

Preferred
• AS9100 audit experience or working knowledge of AS9100 requirements.
• Exposure to APQP tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP).
• Six Sigma training or certification.
• ASQ certification or experience in high-reliability / regulated manufacturing environments.

Education
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred; not required.
• Equivalent manufacturing quality experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

Work Environment & Expectations
• Roving presence across manufacturing cells.
• High floor engagement and real-time interaction with build activities.
• Fully onsite, five-day workweek aligned to manufacturing operations.
• Specific daily hours may vary based on production needs and required floor coverage.
• Salary exempt position.
• Due to U.S. Government contract requirements applicable to this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment in this role.

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Pay Range
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 66,900.00 - 124,300.00

Is this role subject to ITAR?
The essential duties of this position require adherence to U.S. Government export control regulations. Accordingly, candidates must either be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or be prepared to collaborate with the company in securing the necessary U.S. government export authorizations. While the company encourages all interested applicants to apply, please be aware that ongoing employment is dependent upon obtaining the appropriate government export authorizations.