Quality Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of coating inspection experience, or directly related experience supporting thermal spray operations (TSN).
• Demonstrated mastery of NAVSEA 009-032 and 009-124 requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of OSHA shipyard regulations and AMPP QP1/QP6 standards, including hands-on auditing experience.
• Required certification(s): NBPI (National Board of Painting Inspectors) or NACE Level II Coating Inspector (AMPP CP-2)
• Shipyard Competent Person Certification required.
• Advanced knowledge of surface preparation, coating systems, and thermal spray processes.
• Proven proficiency in the use, calibration verification, and interpretation of inspection instruments (DFT gauges, dew point meters, surface profile gauges, holiday detectors, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience developing and completing detailed Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) packages with full traceability.
• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), documentation control, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead audits, enforce compliance, and drive corrective actions in accordance with QP1/QP6 standards.
• Ability to interpret complex technical specifications and translate requirements into effective inspection and production oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience mentoring, training, and supervising inspectors and production personnel.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet demanding shipyard schedules and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to professionally interact with government representatives, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities including root cause analysis, conflict resolution, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Proven ability to maintain inspection efficiency while avoiding over-processing or unnecessary delays.
• High level of integrity and sound judgment, including the ability to exercise ethical decision-making and stop-work authority when required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant reporting or inspection software systems.
• Ability to work in physically demanding shipboard environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with NAVSEA 009-032 and 009-124 requirements, OSHA shipyard regulations, and AMPP QP1/QP6 standards across all shipboard operations.
• Oversee and verify surface preparation, coating, and thermal spray activities to ensure adherence to contract specifications without over-processing, rework, or schedule delays.
• Enforce safety requirements including hazard identification, proper PPE usage, confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and ventilation/exposure controls; exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist.
• Conduct job hazard analyses (JHAs) and risk assessments; implement and verify corrective actions to mitigate safety and quality risks.
• Serve as the technical lead for inspection activities, performing and overseeing detailed inspections using calibrated instruments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use, verification, and interpretation of inspection equipment including dew point meters, psychrometers, surface profile gauges (replica tape and digital), DFT gauges, holiday detectors (low/high voltage), adhesion testers, micrometers, calipers, and surface cleanliness test kits.
• Verify environmental conditions and coating compliance through continuous monitoring and documentation of temperature, humidity, dew point, and surface conditions.
• Ensure all inspection and test equipment is properly calibrated, maintained, stored, and traceable in accordance with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Conduct internal audits in accordance with AMPP QP1 and QP6 standards; prepare for and support external audits.
• Identify non-conformities, generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Condition Found Reports (CFRs), perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop, review, and maintain comprehensive Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) packages, ensuring traceability and inclusion of all required inspection data, test results, certifications, and environmental records.
• Generate and maintain accurate, timely documentation including inspection reports, environmental logs, coating inspection logs, rework logs, calibration verification records, and daily QC reports.
• Support incident investigations related to safety or quality events and track trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to inspectors and production personnel to ensure consistent adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Maintain a strong deck plate presence to monitor work execution, reinforce compliance, and ensure efficient operations in high-volume shipboard environments.
• Act as the primary liaison with government representatives, customers, and third-party auditors, ensuring professional communication and compliant project execution.
• Provide direct oversight, guidance, and technical direction to Operators, trainees, and production personnel involved in shipboard coating and surface preparation activities.
• Plan, assign, and prioritize inspection and audit activities to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with project schedules and contract requirements.
• Mentor, train, and evaluate inspectors and operators on quality standards, safety procedures, inspection techniques, and proper use of equipment.
• Enforce accountability for adherence to NAVSEA requirements, OSHA regulations, and QP1/QP6 standards, including exercising stop-work authority when necessary.
• Review and approve inspection reports, audit findings, and quality documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with QMS requirements.
• Coordinate with project management, production teams, and safety personnel to align quality and safety objectives with operational execution.
• Lead by example in maintaining a strong deck plate presence, reinforcing a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support performance management activities, including providing feedback, identifying training needs, and contributing to personnel evaluations.
• Facilitate communication between team members, leadership, and external stakeholders, including government representatives and customers.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.