Quality Analyst, Principal

Job Description How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering.

BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Quality Analyst to support at its site in Kingsport, Tennessee. In this position as a Quality Analyst, you will be responsible for the following endeavors:

1. ISO Audit Planning & Execution
- Annual Audit Scheduling: Develop and maintain the annual internal audit calendar, ensuring all QMS processes are audited at the required frequency.
- Reporting: Document audit findings and produce formal reports detailing conformance and non-conformances (NCs).
2. ISO Non-Conformance & Corrective Action (CAPA)
- NC Management: Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) when an ISO audit shows a process deviation from the QMS.
- Root Cause Analysis: Facilitate root cause analysis sessions with process owners to ensure that corrective actions address the source of the ISO discrepancy, not just the symptom.
- Verification: Perform follow-up ISO audits to verify that corrective actions have been effectively implemented and are sustained over time.
3. QMS Maintenance & Governance
- Standard Alignment: Monitor changes to the ISO 9001 standard and ensure internal policies are updated to remain compliant.
- Management Review: Provide data and trend analysis on audit findings for the Management Review meetings.
- External Audit Liaison: Assist the Quality Manager with any external audits, either ISO 9001 or customer, where scheduling is needed for external or internal stakeholders.
4. Surge Support
- Backup Quality Analyst: Provide temporary surge support to Quality Specialists by reviewing and validating shipment data packages.
5. Systemic CAPA Governance
- Manage the CAPA system: Specifically for overarching and systemic issues that impact multiple processes or product lines.
- Trend Identification: Analyze recurring non-conformances to distinguish between isolated errors and systemic failures requiring higher-level corrective action.
- Escalation: Monitor due dates for systemic investigations and escalate to leadership when critical, wide-reaching failures are not being remediated in a timely manner.
- Systemic RCA Facilitation: Assist the Quality Manager in facilitating cross-functional root cause analysis to resolve systemic QMS failures.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience (Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Internal Auditing), including demonstrated experience serving as an internal or lead auditor, or the overall equivalent.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Quality Management Software (QMS) or document control systems.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to use analytical skills to identify trends across multiple audits to pinpoint systemic failures.
- Objectivity: Ability to remain impartial and report findings accurately and objectively.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, specifically for conducting staff interviews and drafting formal reports.
- Conflict Resolution: Ability to communicate non-conformances in a constructive, collaborative manner, working alongside production staff to develop sustainable solutions that drive organizational improvement.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Certified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification is highly preferred.
- Proficient in Taproot/A3/5 Why.
- Experience supporting in a highly regulated industry such as Defense, Aerospace, or Medical Devices.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $81336 - $138271

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.