Quality Systems Specialist

Job Title: Quality Systems Specialist

Company: Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee Inc.

Department: Quality Systems

Location: Clinton, TN

Position Summary

As a Quality Systems Specialist at Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee, you will be responsible for maintaining, improving, and ensuring compliance of the Quality Management System (QMS) to IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role leads internal auditing, supports external audits, manages system processes (CARA, ICAR, document control, layered audits), and drives continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Position Responsibilities

The candidate is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight

• Maintain and improve the QMS in compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements
• Ensure procedures, processes, and records align with customer-specific requirements (CSRs)
• Support updates related to organizational changes, process changes, and audit findings
• Lead QMS-related projects and system enhancements

Internal Audit Program Management

• Plan, schedule, and execute internal audits (system, process, and product audits)
• Manage internal audit reporting and follow-up activities
• Train and mentor internal auditors
• Ensure closure and effective verification of audit findings

External Audit Coordination

• Act as a contact for IATF certification body audits
• Coordinate audit logistics, documentation, and cross-functional participation
• Support responses to audit findings and ensure timely closure

Corrective Action System

• Manage the Corrective and Preventive Action system
• Ensure root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone) is properly conducted
• Track corrective actions to completion and verify effectiveness
• Identify trends and drive systemic improvements

Layered Process Audits (LPA)

• Administer the layered audit system (e.g., LPA/Tiered audits)
• Ensure audit compliance across all levels of the organization
• Monitor results, identify gaps, and escalate issues as needed
• Report on performance metrics to leadership

Document Control

• Maintain document control systems for procedures, work instructions, and forms
• Manage document revisions, approvals, obsolescence, and distribution
• Support document change requests and approval workflows
• Ensure accessibility and compliance across departments
• Assist in creation and launch of new document control system

Management Review & Reporting

• Prepare data and reports for Management Review meetings
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as audit results, corrective action trends, and compliance metrics
• Support executive-level reporting for quality system performance

Special Audits & Programs

• Support:
• Product launch audits
• Special process audits (as applicable)
• Customer-specific audits
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and system upgrades

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver training related to QMS, auditing, and compliance
• Promote quality awareness across the plant
• Address issues such as audit integrity through training and communication

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent minimum. Bachelor's or associate’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related experience preferred but not required. Ability to learn and acquire certifications is required.
• Experience: 3 years of experience in automotive manufacturing quality systems, experience with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements, internal auditing experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 clauses and core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and effective file/folder management
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies
• Experience with audit management and corrective action systems
• Strong organizational and documentation control skills
• Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly
• Effective communication across all levels (shop floor to executive)
• High attention to detail and integrity in compliance-driven environments

• Certifications: IATF & ISO 9001 Lead or Internal Auditor certification is a plus.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 5 %
• Must be willing and available to travel to such locations and with such frequency as is necessary and desirable to meet business needs. 

Work Environment Requirements

With reasonable accommodation:

• Must be able to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Must perform job duties onsite, when necessary, except those duties that are customarily or by their nature performed offsite (for example, offsite customer visits or supplier audits).
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work on multiple assignments at once, and complete assignments within deadline and budget (if applicable) with satisfactory quality.
• Must be able to operate as an effective team member.
• Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all company safety policies.

Attendance/Work Hour Requirements

• Must maintain an acceptable attendance record.
• Must be willing and available to work weekends and holidays as necessary and desirable to meet business needs.