Quality Systems Specialist

Job Summary
Seeking an experienced Quality Systems Specialist to oversee and execute quality assurance, quality control, testing, inspection, documentation, calibration, and continuous improvement activities throughout the manufacturing process. This position plays a critical role in ensuring products meet customer specifications, company standards, and regulatory requirements while supporting the overall Quality Management System.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive manufacturing quality experience, strong foundry knowledge, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. This individual will work closely with production, engineering, maintenance, and management teams to maintain product quality, reduce defects, improve processes, and support customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with internal quality audits, process plan audits, and maintenance of audit records.

• Lead and assist with corrective action investigations and implementation.

• Track and analyze internal scrap, external scrap, customer returns, and quality trends.

• Maintain document control systems, revision records, quality documentation, and customer files.

• Maintain print revision lists and ensure current revisions are available throughout production.

• Update process control documents, quality procedures, work instructions, and visual standards as processes change.

• Review design drawings, specifications, process plans, test procedures, and quality requirements.

• Support product development, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Assist with safety and environmental compliance activities as required.

• Support and maintain compliance with the company's ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

• Participate in internal and external ISO audits and assist in addressing audit findings.

• Ensure quality documentation and records comply with ISO 9001 requirements.

Inspection & Product Quality

• Perform visual inspections throughout manufacturing operations to verify product conformance.

• Conduct dimensional inspections and product characteristic evaluations using precision measuring equipment.

• Review customer specifications and ensure compliance with quality standards and requirements.

• Monitor casting quality throughout production and work directly with supervisors and operators to identify and resolve quality concerns.

• Investigate non-conforming materials and assist in root cause analysis activities.

• Verify products meet customer requirements prior to shipment.

Sand Testing

• Perform green sand testing and reporting in accordance with company procedures.

• Collect and test sand samples and distribute results to operations and management.

• Send monthly sand samples to outside laboratories for verification testing.

• Monitor sand system performance and communicate concerns to production leadership.

• Maintain sand testing equipment and quality laboratory organization.

Metal Testing & Laboratory Functions

• Collect metal samples from furnaces prior to and during production operations.

• Operate spectrometer equipment to verify alloy chemistry requirements.

• Analyze chemical test results and communicate non-conforming conditions to melt personnel and management.

• Perform daily spectrometer maintenance, cleaning, and standardization using ASTM/NIST traceable standards.

• Prepare test bars and material samples for external laboratory testing.

• Conduct hardness testing and document results.

• Maintain chemical analysis reports, physical test reports, heat treat certifications, hardness records, melt logs, pour temperature logs, and related quality records.

• Ensure testing equipment remains accurate and properly maintained.

Customer Returns & Certifications

• Issue Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) as required.

• Coordinate receipt, investigation, and disposition of customer returns.

• Assist in customer complaint investigations and corrective action activities.

• Prepare and distribute material certifications, testing reports, and customer quality documentation.

• Maintain customer quality records and supporting documentation.

Calibration Management

• Coordinate calibration schedules for measuring and testing equipment.

• Schedule and work with outside calibration vendors.

• Maintain calibration logs and documentation.

• Ensure all measuring and testing equipment remains compliant with company procedures and quality standards.

Product Development & Documentation

• Assist with updating and maintaining shop card information.

• Assist with shop order generation and distribution as requested.

• Support process validation and new product introduction activities.

• Maintain quality documentation related to production processes and customer requirements.

Training & Leadership

• Train employees on quality procedures, inspection methods, and testing requirements as assigned.

• Serve as a quality resource for production personnel and supervisors.

• Promote quality awareness and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

• Work independently and provide guidance regarding quality-related concerns.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

• Follow all company safety, environmental, and quality procedures.

• Properly utilize required personal protective equipment.

• Perform all duties in accordance with the company Quality Management System.

• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or technical degree preferred.

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 3 years of foundry, metal casting, machining, or metal manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with inspections, testing, quality systems, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and process improvement.

• Experience operating spectrometer equipment and interpreting chemical analysis results preferred.

• Strong understanding of aluminum foundry processes, casting defects, and quality standards.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.

• Experience with calibration management, document control, audits, and quality recordkeeping.

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Adobe, and ERP/MRP systems.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to work in a manufacturing and foundry environment with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and moving equipment.

• Ability to perform inspections and testing activities in both production and laboratory environments.

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Vision insurance