Quality Specialist

Quality Specialist - Onsite - Rockford, ILSalary - $60,000 - $75,000Founded in 1916, we are a precision manufacturing company based in Rockford, Illinois. We specialize in the design and manufacture of custom gaskets, seals, washers, insulators, shims, packings, protective covers, and other precision components produced from synthetic materials and thin-gauge metals. With more than a century of manufacturing expertise, we have built a reputation for delivering highly engineered, customer-specific solutions for demanding applications. The Rockford facility serves as our primary manufacturing, converting, and quality hub, supporting a wide range of production processes including waterjet cutting, flash cutting, die cutting, knife cutting, vulcanizing, material converting, and kiss cutting operations. We serve customers across aerospace, industrial manufacturing, OEM, transportation, and other high-performance industries that require precision-converted components, strict traceability, and exceptional quality standards. We have recently acquired one organization and are looking to expand with more acquisitions in the coming 18 months. The Quality Specialist will play a critical role in maintaining and advancing the company's AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems while helping ensure every product meets customer, engineering, and regulatory requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform first article, in-process, and final inspections to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and customer requirements while maintaining the highest quality standards. Support and maintain compliance with AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality management systems through audits, documentation control, and ongoing quality system improvements. Prepare and manage quality documentation including AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports, PPAP packages, inspection records, nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and quality certifications. Partner with manufacturing teams to support quality throughout converting, cutting, fabrication, and assembly processes while identifying opportunities to improve consistency and product performance. Participate in root cause analysis, corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and internal and external audits to drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.Required and Preferred QualificationsMinimum 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, or Quality Inspection within a manufacturing environment.Hands-on experience working within AS9100 quality systems and strong knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements, quality documentation, and audit processes. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T principles, specifications, and tolerance requirements. Experience performing First Article Inspections, PPAP submissions, nonconformance investigations, corrective actions, and root cause analysis activities.Nice to have: Aerospace manufacturing experience, AS9102 knowledge, CMM or vision measurement system experience, Net-Inspect experience, and familiarity with precision converting, die cutting, waterjet cutting, or similar fabrication processes.Ideal Candidate ProfileDetail-oriented quality professional who takes ownership of product quality and regulatory compliance.Strong communicator who can effectively partner with manufacturing, engineering, customer service, and leadership teams.Analytical problem solver with experience investigating defects and implementing corrective actions.Comfortable working independently while supporting a collaborative manufacturing environment.Passionate about continuous improvement, process discipline, and maintaining world-class quality standards.What Success Looks LikeConsistent compliance with AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality requirements.Accurate and timely completion of inspections, PPAPs, and quality documentation.Reduced nonconformances and improved manufacturing quality performance.Successful support of customer audits and regulatory requirements.Strong collaboration with production teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the manufacturing process.BenefitsHealthDentalVision401K