Quality Control Specialist

Quality Control Specialist

SMSI provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones. SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Job Summary:

The Quality Control Specialist supports multiple supplier development initiatives and ongoing supplier performance management by performing quality control inspections, validating materials and components, and assisting with supplier performance monitoring. This role ensures that products received from suppliers meet specifications and quality standards, while collaborating with internal teams and suppliers to reduce risk, improve quality, and optimize total cost of ownership. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity of the supply chain and ensuring that end products meet the high standards expected by customers and stakeholders.

By leveraging technical expertise, a Quality Control Specialist plays a key role in supply chain management and continuous improvement processes.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Support Sourcing Specialists and Supplier Quality Engineers/Quality Assurance Engineers with supplier qualification and approval processes.
• Plan and perform visual, dimensional, and functional inspections on materials and components, either in-process or out-going at supplier site, or in-coming at client, per established sampling plans.
• Observe supplier-conducted inspection processes as needed.
• Document inspection results accurately in QMS or ERP systems per Document Control and Records Management procedures.
• Observe first article inspections First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) verification for new supplier parts.
• Support supplier corrective actions (SCARs) by providing inspection data and defect analysis.
• Communicate nonconformance findings to suppliers and internal teams promptly.
• Maintain inspection records, certificates of compliance, and traceability documentation.
• Prepare daily/weekly reports on incoming quality performance and defect trends.
• Ensure proper labeling and segregation of accepted and rejected materials.
• Work closely with Procurement, Engineering, and Quality Engineers to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Support audits and supplier visits by providing inspection data and observations.
• Assist in training new team members on inspection techniques and quality standards.
• Identify recurring defects and escalate to Quality Engineers for root cause analysis.
• Suggest improvements to inspection processes and supplier quality practices.

Required Skills/ Abilities:

• Associate degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology; or comparable vocational training in quality or manufacturing or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of quality control/ supplier quality representative experience in manufacturing/fabrication environments.
• Must currently possess or be able to obtain / maintain an active level Q security clearance.
• Experience using precision measurement tools to verify compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Accuracy & Detail Orientation; ensures precise measurements and documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; identify defects and support resolution.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; ensure clear reporting of inspection results and issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management software.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline.
• ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or equivalent.
• Experience with quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100), NQA-1.
• Exposure to (PPAP), (FAI), and supplier quality processes.
• Required QC Inspection Credentials:
  Candidates must be certified in three or more of the following Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods, either by a previous employer or through a national certification agency:
• Receiving Inspection
• Dimensional Inspection
• Mechanical Inspection
• Visual Weld Inspection (AWS CWI preferred)
• Electrical Inspection
• Civil Inspection
• Leak Testing (Helium Leak Testing preferred)
• Liquid Penetrant Inspection
• Magnetic Particle Inspection
• Radiographic Inspection