Quality Specialist

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 bachelors 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.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with employees, customers, suppliers, and auditors.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.

- Ability to develop and deliver training on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Minimum Skills 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.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with employees, customers, suppliers, and auditors.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.

- Ability to develop and deliver training on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

- Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality assurance, quality systems, manufacturing quality, or a related field preferred.

- Experience maintaining or supporting ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.

- Experience conducting audits, inspections, and corrective action investigations.

- Experience working with customers, regulatory, and industry quality requirements, including AAR M-1003 preferred.

- Experience evaluating suppliers and maintaining quality documentation and records.

Physical Requirements:

- Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined spaces while installing or repairing machinery and components.

- Position requires standing and/or walking much of the day. Frequent walking, squatting, kneeling, and climbing steps and stairs.

- Exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is exposed to cutting torches and welding operations. The use of proper PPE is required. The Position requires the ability to read QWI and schematics and understand instructions.

- Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the employees are subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When outside employees are subject to all weather elements. Employees will work with oil and other lubricants.

Kershaw Equipment L.L.C. offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

- Multiple health plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield,

- Health Savings Account (with company match) or Flexible Spending Accounts, depending on selected health care plan,

- Two Dental plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield,

- Vision plan through VSP,

- Paid time off (vacation and 11 paid holidays),

- 401k plan with company match,

- Life/AD&D insurances (both company-paid and additional voluntary options),

- Sick leave, Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability plans (company-paid),

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP, company-paid),

- Three Aflac plans

- 2 pet insurance plans

- Legal insurance

- Identity & Fraud Protection Plan

EOE M/F/D/V