Staff QMS Specialist

Confidential; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in California is seeking an experienced Staff QMS Specialist. This role is crucial for developing and optimizing Quality Management Systems across global facilities. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of quality management experience, a strong aerospace background, and proven skills in internal auditing and change management. Offering a competitive salary of $150,000 - $175,000 per year along with comprehensive benefits including health and life insurance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in quality systems management.
• 6+ years in an aerospace manufacturing background.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term QMS strategies.
• Conduct domestic and international audits and corrective actions.
• Champion QMS metrics and integrate new standards.

Skills

Quality management

Internal auditing

Process mapping

Risk management

CAPA systems

Influencing leaders

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Change management

Training skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ISO 9001

AS9100

Digital workflows

Job description

The Staff QMS Specialist will be a strategic leader and trusted advisor responsible for advancing, integrating, and optimizing the company's Quality Management System (QMS) across all facilities worldwide. This role partners with business and functional leaders to align QMS with enterprise objectives, leads (complex) internal audits, drives cross-site harmonization, to help shape the company's quality culture. Operating with high autonomy, the Staff QMS Specialist mentors peers, influences executive decisions, and champions continuous improvement and compliance. The incumbent will serve as the Management Representative for assigned sites as needed.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute long-term QMS strategies aligned with corporate goals and customer/regulatory expectations.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and HR leaders to embed QMS practices into daily management systems; mentors Process Owners.
• Lead cross-site harmonization of QMS processes, documentation, and governance.

Internal Auditing

• Design and run a comprehensive internal audit program covering process and system audits.
• Conduct audits domestically and internationally; analyze systemic issues and drive organization-wide corrective actions.
• Ensures organizational readiness for ISO 9001, and other regulatory audits.
• Establishes internal auditor training and qualification programs.

QMS Optimization & Integration

• Champion QMS metrics, defining KPIs and analytics for executive visibility.
• Integrate new/updated standards into the QMS and ensure effective deployment.
• Supports deployment, integration, and governance of electronic QMS platforms, digital workflows, and document control systems.

Change Management & Culture Building

• Serve as a change agent; influence cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to adopt QMS principles.
• Design and deliver advanced training for leaders and staff; establish best practices for Process Owners.
• Create recognition mechanisms to reinforce QMS ownership and adherence.

Global/External Engagement

• Leads in certification body audits and major customer/industry audits
• Benchmark against industry best practices and regulatory trends; translate insights into action.

Documentation, Governance & Reporting

• Oversee development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Prepare reports, roadmaps, and recommendations for Management Review activities and decision-making.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in quality systems management, internal auditing, or QMS leadership.
• Minimum 6 years in aerospace manufacturing background
• Experience implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 within complex, multi‑site environments.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification required; ASQ (CQA/CQE), Six Sigma (Black Belt), or equivalent advanced certifications preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading QMS transformation, integration, and optimization projects.
• Expert knowledge of document control, process mapping, risk management, and CAPA systems.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, lead cross-functional and cross-cultural teams, and drive cultural change
• Exceptional analytical, communication, facilitation, and training skills.
• Ability to operate independently, prioritize strategically, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel globally up to 30% of the time (or as business needs require).

Pay: $150,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have in-depth knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 standards?
• What is your Bachelor’s degree field of study?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• quality systems management: 10 years (Required)
• Aerospace Manufacturing Background: 6 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor or equivalent certification (Required)