Quality System & Continuous Improvement Specialist

Work Location: 5823 Wide waters Parkway, East Syracuse, NY 13057

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Quality System & Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be an integral part in maintaining and elevating our quality management systems while leading strategic continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. You will collaborate cross-functionally to reduce waste, improve processes, and ensure our products consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory standards.

• Lead and facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to eliminate waste and improve process efficiency.
• Utilize data-driven methodologies (DMAIC, PDCA, 8D) to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Drive KPI development and monitoring across production, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Partner with engineering, operations, and supply chain to design and implement process improvements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement, training and recognition programs.
• Track and report CI project savings, timelines, and outcomes to senior leadership.

• Maintain, update, and continuously improve the company's QMS in accordance with ISO 9001 and other applicable standards.
• Author, review, and control quality documentation including SOPs, work instructions, control plans, and quality manuals.
• Conduct internal/external audits and manage corrective/preventive action (CAPA, SCAR) processes to closure.
• Coordinate and support external audits (customer, supplier and regulatory).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable industry standards, customer-specific requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Manage document control systems and ensure all employees have access to current-revision documents.
• Vetting external partner's production capacity and technical controls to ensure they meet our corporate and regulatory standards.
• Review and approve supplier-side documentation including control plans and FMEAs to ensure consistent process capability.
• Coordinate in the efforts of RMAs with supply chain quality.

• Lead cross-functional teams in structured problem-solving activities using Fishbone diagrams, 5-Why Analysis, FMEA and Control Charts.
• Manage customer complaints and internal non-conformances from initiation through effective closure.
• Analyze production data and quality metrics to proactively identify trends and risks before they emerge.

• Develop and deliver quality and CI training programs for production staff, supervisors and management.
• Coach and mentor employees on quality tools, lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Promote awareness of quality standards and customer expectations throughout the organization.

• Collect analyze and present quality performance data including scrap rates, defect rates, OEE, yield and customer returns.
• Prepare and present regular quality reports and CI dashboards to leadership.
• Maintain metrics systems and visual management boards on the shop floor.

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100 or similar QMS standards.
• Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and QMS software platforms.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP and PFMEA processes especially in automotive or aerospace industries.
• Familiarity with environmental and safety management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
• Experience managing supplier quality and conducting supplier audits.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision‑making.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive problem-solver with a results-driven attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Change management and organizational influence.
• Primarily office-based with regular time on the manufacturing floor.
• Must be able to stand, walk and work in a production environment for extended periods.
• Occasional…