What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Specialist position at Klein Marine Systems, Inc.?
Who we are
Klein Marine Systems is the world's leading side scan sonar manufacturer and we are immensely proud of where we are and how we got here. We are currently undergoing a remarkable period of transformation, making now an incredibly exciting time to join our team. We are searching for dynamic, technically skilled individuals who are passionate about their work to join us in New Hampshire. In return, you will have the opportunity to be part of the world's leading side scan sonar enterprise: contributing to significant advancements in our technologies and operations.
Unleash your potential with a rewarding career
If you possess a visionary mindset, a knack for solving complex challenges, and a burning desire to make a genuine impact on the world, explore our job opportunities. Seize the opportunity to unleash your courage and contribute to a more connected, smarter, and brighter future.
We are seeking a highly motivated Quality Specialist to execute and maintain our Quality Management System (QMS). This full-time role will ensure compliance with industry standards, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and administer our change management process to maintain design and manufacturing integrity. The Quality Specialist position will be located in our Newburyport, MA location and will report directly to our Operations Director.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Management System (QMS) Execution:
- Implement, maintain, and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO, AS, or other applicable standards.
- Develop and update quality procedures, work instructions, and policies to enhance product quality and regulatory compliance.
- Lead internal audits, manage external audits, and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
- Monitor key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, first-pass yield, customer complaints) and drive data-driven improvements.
- Ensures appropriate inspection and compliance with inbound materials and finished goods.
- Leads company in obtaining appropriate certifications, training, and monitoring in support of business objectives.
- Manages customer feedback and mitigation process.
Change Management Administration:
- Own and administer the Change Management Process (ECO/ECN) to ensure seamless engineering and manufacturing changes.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to assess the impact of design changes.
- Maintain detailed documentation and records of all change requests, approvals, and implementation tracking.
- Conduct risk assessments for proposed changes to evaluate impact on product performance, compliance, and manufacturability.
Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving:
- Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) for quality issues.
- Work with suppliers and internal teams to improve incoming, in-process, and final product quality.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement using tools like Lean, Six Sigma, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Qualifications and Skills:
- 3 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering in an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment. Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is preferred; will consider relevant experience in lieu of degree.
- Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management standards.
- Strong knowledge of Engineering Change Order (ECO) and Change Control processes.
- Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or ERP systems related to change management.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally.
- Experience building a Quality Management System.
- Demonstrated understanding of audits and inspections.
- Familiar with all aspects of quality including quality control, documentation, audits, validation, and calibration, and disposition of non-conforming products.
- Ability to relate to people at all levels withing an organization.
Klein Marine Systems offers a generous compensation package; benefits begin on date of hire.
- Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
- Elective deductions for Flexible Spending Accounts
- Company Paid Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Supplemental Critical Illness and Accident coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution; Roth IRA option
- Educational reimbursement
- Employee referral program
- Paid Holidays
- Generous Flex Paid Time Off account
Are you ready to join our exceptional team?
We are constantly seeking top talent in the fields of Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing Operations, Finance and Accounting, Technology, R&D, Marketing, and Field Operations. At Klein, we take pride in creating a supportive, fair, and inclusive working environment that empowers you to thrive and advance in your career. Rest assured that all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without any discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other factors prohibited by law.
Please note: this position is not open to staffing agencies.
