Quality System Specialist

Quality System Specialist

Location: 3411 Woodhead Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062

Hire Type: Full-Time

Schedule: In-Office

Pay Range: $85,000-$120,000

Position Summary

This role is responsible for maintaining** AS9100D** and ISO 9001 certification status, leading customer audits and audit readinessactivities, overseeing PPAP,APQP, and First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102) requirements, and managing the organization's Quality Management System (QMS). The position serves as the primary point of contact for customers, auditors, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quality, compliance, and technical matters.

This role combines strategic quality leadership with hands-on operational execution, leading customer and supplier quality initiatives, regulatory compliance programs, corrective action activities, and continuous improvement efforts.

The position oversees AS9100/ISO compliance, customer audits, supplier quality management, metrology and calibration systems, regulatory compliance programs, training systems, PPAP and FAI activities, and continuous improvement initiatives while driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100D, ISO 9001, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and lead external QMS audits, customer audits, and third-party audits while ensuring continuous audit readiness.
• Complete First Article Inspection (FAI) packages, AS9102 documentation, PPAPs, APQP documentation, and feasibility reviews.
• Maintain and administer customer portals and quality software systems including 1Factory, Exostar, SAP, and related systems.
• Strong working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FAI/AS9102,CAPA, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Serve as the primary customer for quality, compliance, and corrective action matters.
• Maintain quality standards, specifications, risk matrices, and deviation request libraries.
• Develop and update quality standards, procedures, and processes to strengthen and Management System (QMS).

Operational Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead management review processes, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Customer Service to improve overall business performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Lead Auditor certification.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience with training systems, SCORM content development, and quality software platforms.
• Experience managing customer portals and supplier quality systems.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Quality Leadership
• Regulatory & Compliance Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Audit Leadership
• Root Cause Analysis & CAPA
• Continuous Improvement
• Technical Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Risk Management
• Communication & Organizational Skills

You should be proficient in:

• AS9100 Quality Systems
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• First Article Inspection (FAI)
• PPAP Process Experience
• Root Cause Analysis