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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