Job Summary

A leading aerospace and defense organization is seeking a Certified Lead Auditor for a direct hire opportunity in Poway, CA. This onsite role is ideal for a quality professional with AS9100 lead auditor certification who enjoys improving systems, leading audits, analyzing data, and helping teams maintain a strong Quality Management System.

The Certified Lead Auditor will serve as a key point of contact for QMS procedures, work instructions, internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a strong opportunity to join a stable, mission-focused environment known for advanced remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radar, and high-resolution surveillance technologies.

This position offers the chance to work with experienced quality, operations, and project teams in a collaborative setting where precision, compliance, accountability, and teamwork are highly valued. Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced technical environment and enjoy working with supportive leadership, cross-functional partners, and meaningful aerospace and defense programs will be well aligned for this role.

Key Responsibilities

- Serve as the main point of contact for Quality Management System procedures, work instructions, policies, records, and compliance documentation.
- Lead AS9100 quality audits, coordinate support auditors, develop audit checklists, prepare audit reports, and present findings to leadership.
- Evaluate business and quality processes for compliance, identify opportunities for improvement, and support follow-up audits and corrective actions.
- Assist with root cause analysis, corrective action, and preventive action related to process and product non-conformances.
- Analyze audit results, project plans, milestones, and quality data to help develop practical solutions with project managers and key stakeholders.
- Represent the organization during internal and external audits and support quality training for production personnel.

Compensation and Benefits

- Direct hire opportunity.
- Pay range: $36 to $58 per hour.
- Annual pay range provided: $73,700 to $120,000.
- Full-time schedule.
- Onsite workstyle in Poway, CA.
- Travel requirement: 0% to 25%.
- Relocation assistance is not provided.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.
- Secret clearance is desired.

Guiding Principles and Core Values: UP HIRE
Understanding Matters.
We actively listen to each other, our STEM professionals, and customers. We take the time to understand their needs to make the best connections in the industry.

People Matter.
People are at the center of our company. All decisions we make are in the best of interest of our employees, co-workers, communities, candidates an