The Quality Specialist is responsible for administering and continuously improving quality systems and processes to ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations. This position leads quality assurance activities, supports audit programs, analyzes quality data, investigates nonconformances, and facilitates corrective actions to enhance product quality, process effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. The QA Specialist serves as a key resource in maintaining compliance with AAR M-1003, FRA regulations, and company quality objectives.
Kershaw Equipment, located in Montgomery, AL, is a leader in rail maintenance and vegetation management production and a worldwide supplier of maintenance-of-way equipment. Built on our strong commitment to our customers, our company supplies machines to Class I railroads, transit lines and short lines, and many contractors around the globe. Kershaw is part of The Heico Companies LLC, a parent holding company comprised of more than 40 businesses involved in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services. Kershaw joins forces with heavy equipment brands Pettibone, BARKO, and ARDCO as part of the Heavy Equipment Segment of The Applied Solutions Group.
Responsibilities:
- Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including quality plans, procedures, documentation, training programs, and supporting systems.
- Lead the investigation and resolution of internal and external quality issues, including the administration and oversight of corrective and preventive action processes.
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 standards, AAR requirements, customer-specific requirements, and other applicable regulatory and industry standards.
- Manage the inspection and test equipment program, ensuring equipment adequacy, calibration compliance, and accurate recordkeeping.
- Develop, maintain, and retain quality records and documentation, including inspection and test records, training records, certifications, and customer-required documentation.
- Evaluate and monitor suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with quality requirements and maintain the Approved Vendor List.
- Coordinate customer inspections, audits, inquiries, and follow-up activities to ensure timely and effective resolution of quality-related concerns.
- Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for inspection processes, quality requirements, and quality system compliance.
- Develop and deliver quality-related training to production employees and other personnel as needed.
- Provide guidance and support to departments on quality standards, inspection requirements, and best practices.
- Analyze quality data and performance metrics to identify trends, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance overall product quality.
- Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams to improve processes, reduce defects, and increase customer satisfaction.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of ISO 9001 standards and quality management principles and ensure their effective application throughout the organization.
Minimum Qualifications/Education Requirements:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- Familiarity with quality management systems and quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, Process Mapping, Control Plans, and corrective action processes.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and quality management principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn company-specific software and enterprise systems.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, gauges, and precision measuring instruments.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical problem-solving abilities.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to train and communicate quality requirements to employees across the organization.
Minimum Skill Requirements:
- Strong knowledge of quality assurance principles, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
- Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments, gauges, and inspection equipment.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and quality management system requirements.
- Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies, including SPC, FMEA, Process Mapping, Control Plans, and root cause analysis techniques.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.