Quality Auditor (Contract)

GKN•Garden Grove, CA

About The Position

GKN Aerospace is seeking a detail-driven, independent Contract Internal Auditor to plan and conduct quality management system and product quality audits in an aerospace manufacturing environment. The auditor will assess conformity with AS9100, applicable regulatory and customer requirements, and internal procedures; verify product and production-record conformity; document objective evidence; and support timely, sustainable corrective action. The role works across Quality, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Document Control while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing quality, including direct audit, inspection, quality engineering, or quality systems experience.
Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements and ability to translate requirements into an audit plan and objective-evidence trail.
Experience reviewing manufacturing and inspection documentation, technical drawings, specifications, and product acceptance records.
Ability to write clear, factual, and defensible audit findings and reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and electronic quality or document management systems.
Strong communication, organization, analytical judgment, and attention to detail.
Ability to remain independent and objective when auditing assigned activities.
Must meet applicable U.S. Person requirements for access to export-controlled information under U.S. ITAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
Recognized auditor training or certification, such as ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Exemplar Global, or an AS9100 internal/lead auditor course.
Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection, product/process auditing, aerospace customer requirements, FAA-regulated operations, or Nadcap special processes.
Experience evaluating corrective action using structured methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, 8D, or similar root-cause tools.
Experience with statistical sampling, trend analysis, and risk-based audit planning.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and conduct risk-based internal audits of the quality management system, processes, and supporting functions according to the approved audit program.
Conduct product quality audits using drawings, specifications, work instructions, inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and customer requirements.
Review manufacturing records, including work orders, inspection and test records, first article documentation, nonconformance records, certifications, and traceability records.
Collect and document objective evidence through interviews, observation, record review, and sampling; maintain audit trails and working papers.
Classify and write audit findings that identify the requirement, evidence, and observed nonconformity or opportunity for improvement.
Conduct opening and closing meetings, communicate results, and issue audit reports within established timelines.
Enter, track, and follow up on corrective actions, evaluating containment, root-cause analysis, planned actions, implementation, and effectiveness evidence.
Identify recurring issues and systemic trends and communicate risk-based recommendations without assuming process ownership.
Coordinate audit schedules and evidence requests with process owners while minimizing operational disruption.
Support customer, registrar, and regulatory audits by retrieving records, explaining the internal audit program, and assisting with response coordination as requested.
Protect proprietary, export-controlled, customer, employee, and supplier information obtained during audits.
Perform other quality assurance and compliance activities within the agreed contract scope.