Quality Specialist

At PacSci EMC, When Milliseconds Matter™, quality is not a department — it is a discipline embedded in every product we build. 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. #LI-FP1