Quality Planning Specialist

Skookum Aerospace Manufacturing; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 49,593; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Skookum Aerospace Manufacturing is looking for a Quality Planning & FAIR Specialist in Auburn, Washington. This role involves ensuring products meet quality standards before production, leading First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) preparation, and handling crucial Quality Assurance activities.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of aerospace experience, AS9100 knowledge, and skills in inspection planning. Offering a full-time position with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Aerospace or Precision Manufacturing.
• Preferable experience with new product introduction.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and completion of FAIRs.
• Create and maintain ballooned drawings.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Quality Assurance

Inspection planning

GD&T knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

FAIR tools

CNC machining knowledge

Job description

Job Summary

Location: Auburn, Washington

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Compensation: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour (Dependent on Experience)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Elective 401(k) retirement plan with 0.5% match per 1% up to 6% after 90 days of employment (vesting applies)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• 11 paid holidays, 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance after 1 year and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Position Overview

The Quality Planning & FAIR Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all products are quality-ready prior to release to production. This role leads First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) preparation and execution (AS9102) while owning key front-end Quality Assurance activities, including inspection planning, drawing ballooning, and requirement validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end preparation and completion of FAIRs in compliance with AS9102
• Create and maintain ballooned drawings, FAIR Forms 1, 2, and 3, and supporting objective evidence
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure all characteristics are captured and verified
• Manage delta FAIRs and updates for repeat or revised jobs
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of FAIR packages to customers
• Define and document inspection requirements aligned to the manufacturing router
• Determine appropriate inspection methods (CMM, manual, in-process verification) and sequence steps with production operations
• Identify required gauges and inspection tools prior to job release
• Eliminate redundant effort, prevent missed requirements, and streamline inspection execution
• Own the creation and standardization of ballooned drawings
• Ensure all drawing requirements are clearly identified, linked to specific operations, and tied to inspection methods and FAIR documentation
• Maintain consistency across new and repeat jobs and cultivate a clean, consistent "digital thread" from drawing → planning → inspection → FAIR
• Participate in contract review and new job kickoff to validate quality requirements and flow downs
• Review routers and planning outputs to ensure all drawing and specification requirements are captured and inspection steps are complete and executable
• Identify and elevate gaps or risks prior to release to production
• Define First Piece Inspection (FPI) requirements during planning
• Ensure readiness of inspection methods, gauges and tools, and supporting documentation
• Support initial validation of first-run parts on critical or complex jobs
• Review and validate requirements for special processes (e.g., anodize, paint, NDT)
• Ensure proper flow down of specifications to suppliers and internal teams and confirm certification and traceability requirements are defined upfront
• Support and maintain FAIR and inspection-related tools (e.g., ballooning software, FAIR systems)
• Develop and maintain standard work, templates, and best practices
• Ensure documentation is audit-ready and compliant with AS9100 and customer requirements
• Act as a liaison between Quality Engineering, Planning, and Production (Machining, Fabrication, Assembly)
• Communicate quality requirements clearly to stakeholders and support alignment between design intent and manufacturing execution
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; 3–5 years of experience in Aerospace, Precision Manufacturing Quality, or with FAIR and ballooning tools required
• Preferable experience supporting new product introduction or planning validation, familiarity with special processes and aerospace specifications, and working in a cross‑functional manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems, AS9102 First Article Inspection Requirements, and GD & T (ASME Y14.5)
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Familiarity with CNC machining, fabrication, and/or assembly processes

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods: lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours; standing or sitting for several hours; climbing in and out of a vehicle and up/down stairs; perseverance to work effectively under pressure. Physical demands may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Requirements

• Valid state driver’s license preferred and ability to obtain coverage by Tessera’s insurance
• REALID‑compliant driver’s license or acceptable alternative (U.S. passport or military ID) for access to federal installations
• Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access
• Background check and E‑Verify will be conducted

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled. Tessera participates in E‑Verify.