Quality Systems Specialist, (First Article Emphasis)

About the role

The Quality Systems Specialist with First Article Emphasis primarily focuses on First Article completion, submission, and maintenance. Secondary responsibilities include supporting all other Quality System activities. This role offers potential growth opportunities through developing competencies in other Quality System primary roles.

Key Responsibilities

First Article Emphasis

• Manage and conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) per Internal, AS9102, and/or Customer Standards
• Work with Operations and Production Control to manage FAI workload based on critical need
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and models to identify design characteristics for ballooned drawings to support First Article Inspection
• Use Foresight First Article Tools such as Discus software to "balloon" drawings, create and maintain Quality First Article files, records, and documents
• Use Customer Portal(s) to input, manage First Article submittals, access, review, input, download, and submit Foresight/Customer Information
• Work with Customer representatives onsite or others to gain approval and resolve issues related to FAI or associated processes

General Inspection Responsibilities

• Interpret and verify materials and products to Foresight, Customer, and Regulatory requirements
• Perform in-process and final inspections of aerospace and non-aerospace components and assemblies
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and work instructions
• Use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate quality records
• Identify non-conforming materials and initiate NCR documentation
• Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action activities
• Review, accept, or reject material certifications and traceability documentation; help manage replacement or missing documentation if needed
• Ensure proper handling and storage of raw material and manufactured parts
• Participate in internal and external audits, as needed or required
• Inspect and determine acceptability of Supplier- or Customer-supplied materials
• Assist in MRB activities
• Assist Quality Manager and Quality Engineer as needed
• Create and manage metrics associated with FAI or as directed
• Support input and management of Statistical Information as needed or required
• Support Return Material (RMA) process as needed or required
• Support the Calibration process as needed or required

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Technical certification preferred
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe
• Computer skills in Discus a plus
• 2+ years of quality-related experience in aerospace and/or precision manufacturing
• 2+ years of First Article Inspection experience preferred
• Experience working within AS9100 quality systems
• Knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements
• Familiar with Quality inspection tools
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and quality documentation software

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound quality decisions
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment
• May require standing for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25–40 lbs
• Use of PPE as required
• May require overtime depending on production demands