Quality Auditor

Quality Auditor

This position supports the maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), with primary responsibility for internal audit execution and QMS documentation updates. The ideal candidate brings practical AS9100 experience and understands how to apply effective quality controls as the organization transitions from development into structured production. This role will help shift quality from reactive correction to proactive prevention and early engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and execute regular internal quality audits across various departments to ensure continuous compliance with AS9100 standards.
• Work alongside the quality team to draft, review, update, and streamline standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to support production scaling.
• Assist engineering and manufacturing teams in adopting production-level quality controls, including first article inspections (AS9102) and configuration management.
• Support the investigation of non-conformances, facilitate root-cause analysis, and track the closure and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Actively champion the shift from reactive quality control to proactive quality assurance, engaging early with cross-functional teams to embed preventive measures into processes.
• Compile data, organize records, and prepare documentation using internal tools to ensure successful external surveillance and recertification audits.

Required Qualifications

Certification: Recognized quality auditor experience is required, such as ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) with aerospace experience, AS9100 Internal Auditor, or AS9100 Lead Auditor. External certification is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 24 years of quality assurance experience within the aerospace, defense, or space industry is required. A clear understanding of how AS9100 requirements scale and adapt when a facility moves from a low-volume development/R&D environment into production is necessary.

Education: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required. Degrees in non-STEM fields are acceptable with relevant aerospace manufacturing experience; an Engineering or STEM degree is highly recommended.

Technical Skills: Proven proficiency in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies using structured frameworks like 8D, DMAIC, or similar systematic formats is required.

Compliance: Must be a U.S. Citizen due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a collaborative, established quality team in a fast-paced startup or small company environment.
• Hands-on proficiency tracking tasks and managing systemic documentation using Jira, Confluence, and Odoo.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coach and collaborate with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.

Work Environment

This position may require travel to remote locations. The role requires the ability to safely navigate manufacturing facilities, hardware test facilities, and launch sites, as well as traditional office environments. The ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated operational areas is necessary.