Quality Assurance Specialist III

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Specialist III to play a key role in establishing and maintaining critical quality functions within the organization. This role is responsible for setting up and managing the Receiving Inspection area, overseeing First Article Inspections (FAIs) to AS9102, administering the calibration program, and supporting both in-process and final inspections across production. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, hands-on inspection expertise, and the ability to collaborate across functions to drive compliance, ensure product conformity, and support continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish, standardize, and maintain the Receiving Inspection process, including inspection workflows, equipment needs, and documentation.
• Perform and approve AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAIs) in compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Create, maintain, and execute inspection plans for receiving, in-process, and final inspection activities.
• Perform in-process and final inspections on mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical assemblies, ensuring compliance with drawings, specifications, IPC, and AS standards.
• Conduct and document process audits to ensure adherence to AS9100 and internal procedures.
• Manage and maintain the Calibration Program, ensuring measurement and test equipment (M&TE) is calibrated, traceable, and compliant with AS9100 requirements.
• Support Flight Quality Inspection activities, ensuring UAV systems meet acceptance criteria before release.
• Work closely with engineering and operations to resolve non-conformances and support MRB when necessary.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings using GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Apply knowledge of IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and IPC-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) during inspections and reviews.
• Understand and apply RCCA (Root Cause & Corrective Action) methodologies to support effective problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure inspection requirements are clearly defined and flowed down.
• Provide feedback on DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and inspection feasibility during NPI and production ramp-up.
• Support customer, regulatory, and AS9100 audits as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace/defense quality assurance within an AS9100-certified environment.
• Hands-on experience in Receiving, In-Process, and Final Inspection.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Knowledge of RCCA tools and methods (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D).
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, and GD&T.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and airborne particles.
• May be required to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds regularly.
• Ability to perform visual inspections for extended periods, including the use of microscopes and precision measurement tools.
• Must have manual dexterity to handle small parts and operate inspection equipment.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, and move safely within a shop and lab environment.
• Tolerance for working in environments with varying temperatures, depending on facility conditions.