Quality Assurance Specialist - PPAP / PFMEA / SPC (Aurora)

Location: Aurora, IL

Pay: $35.00–$45.00 per hour (DOE)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–3:30 PM

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview: Summit Staffing is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Specialist to support a growing metal machining and fabrication operation in Aurora, IL.This position focuses on developing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing quality assurance systems to prevent defects, strengthen process controls, and ensure consistent product quality. Unlike a traditional inspection-focused position, this role emphasizes preventive quality processes, documentation, statistical analysis, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have experience with PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, statistical process control (SPC), and manufacturing quality systems. Candidates with previous Quality Engineer, Senior Quality Technician, or Quality Management experience are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional interested in taking ownership of quality assurance processes and growing into a future departmental leadership role.

Key Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes for metal machining, welding, and fabrication operations. Create, review, and maintain Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation. Develop and maintain Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs).Establish and improve manufacturing control plans, inspection requirements, and process documentation. Apply statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor manufacturing performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Review engineering drawings, ballooned prints, dimensional requirements, and customer specifications. Verify that manufacturing operations follow approved setup procedures, work instructions, and quality control plans. Analyze manufacturing data, quality trends, and process capability to identify potential risks and prevent defects. Support root cause investigations, corrective actions, and preventive quality initiatives. Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, inspection, and operations teams to improve process reliability. Assist with internal audits, quality system documentation, and continuous improvement activities. Help develop standardized quality assurance practices across custom fabrication and production manufacturing operations. Support the long-term development of a more proactive, prevention-focused quality assurance program.

Qualifications: Previous experience in quality assurance, quality engineering, or quality systems within a manufacturing environment. Strong working knowledge of PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and statistical process control (SPC).Experience creating, maintaining, or improving manufacturing quality documentation and procedures. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T.Experience analyzing quality data and implementing process improvements. Understanding of manufacturing process controls, root cause analysis, and corrective action procedures. Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and collaborate with production personnel. Comfortable working in both an office environment and on the manufacturing floor.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in metal machining, welding, fabrication, or other industrial manufacturing environments. Previous experience as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Quality Engineer, Senior Quality Technician, or Quality Manager. Experience developing or improving quality management systems. Knowledge of process capability analysis, quality audits, and continuous improvement methodologies. Familiarity with manufacturing setup documentation, first-article requirements, and inspection planning. Previous quality leadership or departmental development experience. Interest in progressing into a quality management or departmental leadership position.