Quality Auditor

AeroVironment•Princeton, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Management and Improvement Internal Auditor is responsible for performing quality management systems audits (product, process, or systems) at several AV locations. This role provides technical subject matter expertise on the interpretation and usage of standards with AV staff and external audit resources. The auditor communicates, trains, and coordinates improvement of QMS policies, processes, and procedures. They perform periodic audits and engage process owners and resources to identify quality management system risks and compliance with Aerospace standards (i.e. AS9100D) and international standards (i.e. ISO 9001:2015). The position also engages process owners and leadership in the management and timeliness of corrective and preventive action responses, evaluates the adequacy of those responses, and engages in the planning and implementation of auditing activities and continuous improvement. This role provides governance and oversight to ensure programs are executed within the QMS framework and maintains problem reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances (or findings) to the QMS. Additionally, the Quality Auditor leads RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS and performs other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
Minimum 7 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance within the defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environment.
Strong background in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards.
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
Must be a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
CPA/CIA or other certification preferred.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead without direct authority.
Proven leadership experience managing auditing, compliance teams and cross-functional initiatives.
Experience with government contracts, DoD requirements, and working with regulatory agencies.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Lean-Six-Sigma and other Continuous Improvement skills.
Proficiency with quality tools/software (e.g., Minitab, SPC/QMS platforms, PLM, ERP systems).
Preferred Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM); Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt; Project Management Professional (PMP); Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100/ISO 9001.
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
Strong background in QMS implementation and risk mitigation strategies.
Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Responsibilities

Perform quality management systems audits (product, process, or systems) at several AV locations.
Provide technical subject matter expertise on the interpretation and usage of standards with AV staff and external audit resources.
Communicate, train, and coordinate improvement of QMS policies, processes, and procedures.
Perform periodic audits and engage process owners and resources to identify quality management system risks and compliance with Aerospace standards (i.e. AS9100D) and international standards (i.e. ISO 9001:2015).
Engage process owners and leadership in the management and timeliness of corrective and preventive action responses, and evaluate the adequacy of those responses.
Engage process owners and leadership in the planning and implementation of auditing activities and participate in continuous improvement activities.
Provide governance and oversight to ensure programs are executed within the QMS framework.
Maintain problem reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances (or findings) to the QMS.
Lead RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.