Description
We are looking for a Quality Specialist to join our rapidly growing team in Santa Ana, CA. The Quality Specialist for our Maritime team is a critical role responsible for ensuring our autonomous surface and undersea systems are built to the most stringent standards.
This role requires a hands-on, first-principles approach to developing and enforcing quality systems that meet and exceed AS9100 and specific Naval Sea Systems Command (NavSea) standards. You will not just be checking boxes; you will be building the quality foundation for the next generation of naval technology.
As the Quality Specialist, you will support the Quality team to develop, implement, and sustain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that is compliant with AS9100 and tailored to include specific NavSea requirements for maritime hardware. You will champion quality on the manufacturing floor, implement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC), conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase first-pass yield and reduce scrap.
You will act as the subject matter expert for interpreting and flowing down NavSea standards and technical publications (e.g., material traceability, welding certifications, testing protocols) into actionable manufacturing and inspection processes. You will support the Material Review Board (MRB) to disposition non-conforming product, help drive the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process using methodologies like 8D and 5 Whys to prevent recurrence.
You will partner with the supply chain team to qualify, audit, and manage suppliers of critical components and special processes (e.g., welding, coatings, pressure testing), ensuring compliance with all prime contract and regulatory requirements. You will support the development of comprehensive inspection plans, work instructions, and criteria for receiving, in-process, and final inspection. You will aid with First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102.
You will plan and execute internal and supplier audits to ensure system-wide compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. You will support customer and third-party audits.