Job Summary
Purdue University is seeking an individual who desires meaningful work that directly impacts Indiana's manufacturing sector. The mission of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is to advance Indiana's prosperity, health, and quality of life. Each year, MEP serves hundreds of manufacturing companies, businesses, high-tech start-ups, life sciences companies, governmental units, and not-for-profit organizations. Impacts include significant sales increases, cost reductions, capital investments, quality improvements, and jobs created or saved.
The MEP Quality Specialist is a subject matter expert in Quality Management Systems and quality improvement methodologies. This role delivers high-value, fee-based consulting and training services to a diverse base of manufacturers and other organizations throughout Indiana. The position is responsible for leading and supporting implementation, improvement, and sustainability of quality management systems, including preparation for certification or registration to applicable standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and related requirements. The role may also support clients in areas such as operational risk, supply chain quality, and digital or data-enabled quality practices.
This work includes conducting assessments, developing and improving management system processes, delivering training, supporting internal audit and corrective action activities, and helping clients improve operational and quality performance. The role also contributes to the development of new services, tools, and training curriculum aligned with client and industry needs. Success is measured by client outcomes, including certification readiness or achievement, economic impact, quality improvement, customer satisfaction, and other financial or operational results.
The office location for this position will be home office or within one of Purdue's statewide or partnering facilities in accordance with Purdue policy. MEP office location: Carmel, Indiana. Strict adherence to Purdue confidentiality policies is required.
This position is eligible for annual incentive compensation.
Duties & Responsibilities:
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Deliver training and consulting services related to Quality Management Systems and quality improvement to achieve maximum business impact for the client base. Support implementation, maintenance, and improvement of systems and processes aligned with standards such as ISA 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and related customer or regulatory requirements. Conduct assessments, gap reviews, internal audit support, corrective action support, documentation development and practical implementation of QMS processes, and certification readiness activities. Maintain a high level of billable utilization and service delivery efficiency goals as determined by organizational performance goals. Assist the MEP leadership team in management of delivery capacity, flexibility, and development. In-state travel is required.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Maintain or earn credentials and professional development necessary for industry and client needs, such as quality certifications, lead auditor credentials, ISO-related training, and other relevant certifications. Seek mentors, orientation, and learning opportunities that support expansion into new sectors, standards, and service offerings.
CLIENT RELATIONS/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Actively seek follow-up projects to further assist clients during on-site projects and public training events. Work independently and with the account management team to develop new business opportunities. Collaborate on work statements, bids, and RFPs for services to be performed. Provide the appropriate level of detail, inclusive of all effort and time required for completing services. Build rapport within each project's organization, expand the relationship base, enhance the goodwill of Purdue, and identify adjacent opportunities for MEP, TAP, or Purdue University.
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: Design new and modify existing training, workshops, tools, and consulting curricula related to quality systems, auditing, corrective action, problem solving, core tools, and other quality topics. Seek relevant professional development that is customer-focused and results in new or enhanced services.
COLLABORATION AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT: Contribute to effective and efficient operations within the role and across the organization. Participate in team initiatives and continuous improvement efforts, with these contributions reflected in performance evaluations. Assist with managing our internal quality system. Identify opportunities to improve MEP service delivery, tools and internal processes.
What We're Looking For:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, Quality, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field
- Six or more years of experience implementing, managing, auditing, or improving Quality Management Systems in a manufacturing or related environment
- Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of required education and related work experience
- Experience with standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, or ISO 13485
- Experience with QMS implementation, internal auditing, corrective action (CAPA), quality documentation, and certification or customer audit support
- Ability to apply root cause analysis and work effectively in cross-functional environments
- Excellent consulting, facilitation, and training skills
- Strong working knowledge and practical application of Quality Management Systems in manufacturing or related environments
- Ability to lead or support QMS implementation, internal audits, and corrective action (CAPA activities
- Knowledge of quality tools and methods such as APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPS, MSA, and risk-based thinking ability to apply root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies
- Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
- Ability to independently lead multiple client engagements and manage competing priorities is expected
- Strong communication skills with internal and external clients
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
What Is Helpful:
- Master's degree
- Ten or more years of experience in Quality Management Systems with demonstrated business impact
- Experience in a manufacturing, quality, operations, or technical leadership role
- Experience with implementation or compliance to standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001
- Experience conducting internal or supplier audits, gap assessments, and supporting certification readiness
- Experience training, coaching, or mentoring others in quality systems, auditing, corrective action, and problem solving
- Lead Auditor certification (e.g., ISO9001, AS9100, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or similar)
- Familiarity with and willingness to leverage digital tools and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-enabled tools, data analytics, QMS/ERP systems) to enhance efficiency and service delivery
- Project management experience, including managing multiple client engagements
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to influence stakeholders
- Experience with ERP and/or QMS business systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data analysis and interpretation
- Experience working in one or more manufacturing sectors (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical device, general manufacturing)
- Familiarity with and willingness to leverage digital tools and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-enabled tools, data analytics) to enhance efficiency and service delivery
What We Want You To Know:
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check is required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Purdue University is an EO/EA University.