Quality Assurance Associate

Quality Assurance AssociateThe Quality Assurance Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the Quality Manager by maintaining and enhancing the ISO 9001 Quality Management System for PVD coating operations. This position involves coordinating training and compliance activities, conducting internal audits, supporting external ISO 9001 audits, administering the Nonconformance (NCR) and CAPA processes, and overseeing the calibration program. Additionally, the associate supervises incoming and outgoing inspections across up to two shifts to ensure consistent execution of inspection activities, accurate documentation, timely disposition, and audit readiness. The role promotes timely closure, record integrity, and continuous improvement through cross-functional coordination and hands-on leadership. Responsibilities Create and maintain the internal audit schedule aligned to ISO 9001 requirements and site priorities. Personally conduct internal audits, document objective evidence, findings, and opportunities for improvement. Coordinate corrective action follow-up for audit findings; verify effectiveness and ensure timely closure. Maintain audit records and trend findings to identify recurring/systemic issues and improvement opportunities. Support external ISO 9001 audits jointly with the Quality Manager, including preparation, evidence collection, audit support, and post-audit action tracking. Administer the nonconformance process by opening/logging NCRs, ensuring containment actions are documented, and routing for disposition/approval. Coordinate CAPA activities for internal nonconformities and customer complaints; manage due dates and escalate overdue items. Support root cause analysis using structured tools and ensure actions are clearly documented and measurable. Prepare NCR/CAPA status summaries for the Quality Manager and leadership as needed. Serve as authorized final-release approver for outgoing shipments when acceptance criteria and documentation requirements are met. Coordinate shipment holds, releases, and required records with Shipping/Receiving. Escalate high-risk or unclear acceptance decisions to the Quality Manager, documenting rationale and approvals as per procedure. Essential Skills Quality assurance Quality control Audit CAPA Inspection Document control Batch record review Computer & verification skills Attention to detail Documentation & maintaining of records Auditing Ability to communicate with management and customers Validation Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with root cause analysis using structured tools such as 5 Whys Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Smith, AR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $20.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Fort Smith, AR. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 3, 2026. About Aerotek:We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.