Quality Assurance Specialist Portsmouth, VA

The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist will ensure that all systems manufactured meet military specifications (MIL-SPEC) and comply with the strictest standards of quality, reliability, and safety. This role supports the production of advanced systems for aircraft carriers, submarines, and autonomous platforms, ensuring adherence to customer requirements, industry regulations, and internal quality management systems. The QA Specialist will be directly responsible for implementing inspection processes, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to deliver mission-critical systems that meet the highest standards for naval operations.

• Perform inspections, tests, and evaluations of manufactured components and systems using precision measurement tools to verify compliance with MIL-SPEC and Navy standards.
• Develop, maintain, and execute quality assurance procedures in alignment with ISO 9001, AS9100, and Navy-specific requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, technical data packages, and work instructions to ensure manufacturability and quality compliance.
• Monitor production processes to identify risks, nonconformances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with engineering, production, and supply chain teams.
• Audit suppliers and subcontractors to confirm compliance with quality standards for materials and components.
• Maintain and update records for inspections, audits, and test results to ensure traceability and readiness for Navy and customer audits.
• Train and support production personnel on quality standards, inspection procedures, and best practices.
• Partner with program managers and engineers to support customer acceptance testing and government inspections (e.g., DCMA, NAVSEA).

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent military or industry experience accepted.
• 6+ years of experience in quality assurance, quality control, or inspection within defense, aerospace, or shipbuilding manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of MIL-SPEC standards, NAVSEA requirements, and AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience with non‑destructive testing (NDT), first article inspections (FAI), and government acceptance processes is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface effectively with production teams, engineers, suppliers, and government representatives.

While performing these job duties, the employee is routinely required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position is performed in a traditional shipyard and manufacturing environment with local travel required between facilities.

Fairlead Integrated, LLC. and its subsidiaries are proud to be Equal Employ Opportunity and Affi cative Action employers (Minority / Female / Disability / Veterans).