Quality System Consultant / Auditor

Festo is seeking an experienced Quality System Consultant / Auditor to lead and support quality management initiatives across our operations located in North and South America. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies. The candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to facility leadership by proactively identifying key challenges related to Quality compliance and translating them into actionable business improvements and solutions.

Responsibilities

• Consulting & Advisory
  • Serve as a reliable, candid sounding board for ideas, strategies, and decisions.
  • Provide expert guidance on quality management system implementation and optimization.
  • Advise leadership on quality strategy, risk management, and regulatory requirements.
  • Consult and proactively provide training on quality challenges (e.g., complex problem solving) to drive Quality KPI performance improvements.
  • Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes.
• Audit & Assessment
  • Plan, conduct, and lead process and Quality Management System audits across multiple locations.
  • Evaluate evidence-based compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and other relevant quality standards.
  • Assess effectiveness of quality management systems and identify areas for improvement.
  • Identify problematic areas of site and quality system operations and assist during and following the audit with recommendations to achieve improvement.
  • Document, analyze, and communicate audit results and strategic implications for Festo.
  • Monitor audit deviations and provide support, problem analysis, and escalation as necessary.
  • Prepare, organize, and support third-party and customer audits.
• Compliance & Standards
  • Monitor compliance to global standards by validating the effectiveness of Festo's Quality Management System.
  • Support certification and recertification processes.
  • Maintain knowledge of best practices in quality management.
• Training & Development
  • Develop and deliver quality systems training programs for new auditors or other relevant team members.
  • Coach and mentor site leadership and relevant colleagues.
  • Build quality awareness and culture across the organization.
  • Continue to develop and expand personal skills, professional and technical expertise, and technical auditing knowledge.
• Perform other related duties as expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in quality management systems auditing and consulting.
• Advanced knowledge in the preparation, execution, and documentation of process and system audits (ISO 19011, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, ISO 13485). Knowledge of additional standards is helpful.
• Strong knowledge of quality management standards and methodologies. Experience in translating standard requirements into understandable systems and solutions.
• Experience in working with international and intercultural production sites/organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of process management, quality management systems, standards and certifications, and methods (APQP, VDA RGA, control plan, inspection plan, PDCA, SPC, CIP), multi-project management, and fundamentals of economics.
• Knowledge of problem solving (corrective and preventive action, 8D, 5 Why, A3 report, Ishikawa, ...) with a high level of attention to detail.
• Knowledge in understanding specification sheets, customer requirements, technical drawings, measurements (e.g., 3D, accuracy of measuring equipment such as VDA 5, MSA), and GPS (geometric product specifications).
• Experience in analyzing KPIs and trends.
• Advanced training and facilitation skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese, and/or German) are an advantage.
• Value-oriented, collaborative, and solution-oriented way of working.
• Ability to maintain an overview in a multi-project environment and deliver sustainable, high-quality work results.
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 40-50%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Experience with automation, pneumatics, or industrial technology sectors.
• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).
• Change management experience and/or project management experience.

Benefits

Festo Corporation offers a robust benefits package designed to help employees and their dependents stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Short-term and Long-term disability
• 401k
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational assistance
• Additional benefits including diverse opportunities for development, a strong team environment, freedom to drive ideas, and attractive compensation.