Jesse Norris worked for 27 years in aerospace, military manufacturing, and special processing. But having become a Lead Auditor for the Nadcap program, he feels that, for the first time in his career, he’s really making a difference.

“I’ve worked as a process engineer and a quality manager, so I’ve been auditing and preparing for audits my entire career,” he says. “I’ve seen first-hand that the Nadcap program can have a great impact on the companies I’ve worked with. I love the interaction with employees and helping them find the weaknesses in their system.”

Managed by the aerospace industry

During his career, Jesse was particularly focused on the casting and machining of aluminum, and the heat treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. As a full-time Lead Auditor, having joined PRI in 2016, he travels to companies that perform heat treatment on aerospace products.

Jesse assesses their system to ensure they comply with customer and program requirements, using the Nadcap checklist developed and managed by the aerospace industry itself. “In my career, I have seen companies start with a negative reaction to the Nadcap program and then move to a positive reaction,” he says. “I have heard them say time and time again, ‘Nadcap Auditors are here to make us better Suppliers’. That’s a great attitude.”

Typical day

When auditing an aerospace company, Jesse usually arrives at 8.30am. Following an opening meeting and a tour of the facility, he works on verifying the scope of the audit. Typically, Jesse will also review the company’s Quality Assurance Manual and procedures as necessary.

By doing this, he can resolve any questions and conduct a thorough review of job audits including pyrometry, supplemental and slash checklists, preventive maintenance, quality systems, employee training, and the Non-Conformance Reports from previous audits. “Successful auditing starts and ends with time management,” he says. “I tell other Auditors to develop a plan and stick to it as best as you can.”

An expert in the field

Understanding that audits can be challenging for the companies involved, Jesse often advises them to prepare by hiring an expert in the field, if they are trying to get an accreditation, such as for heat treatment. “Then I tell them to prepare, prepare, prepare!” he says. “A Nadcap audit will be the toughest audit you have ever been through, but it will be worth it in the long run.”

Travel all over the world

Jesse lives in the U.S.A., but his role as a Nadcap Lead Auditor has taken him all over the world. That is one of the main reasons why he enjoys the job so much. “I have recommended PRI to quite a few Auditors over the years,” he says. “The staff here are friendly and supportive, and if you like to travel then this is the job for you. What’s more, it has flexibility like no job I’ve ever had.”