Configuration Management Specialist

Our client is a Herndon, Virginia-based aerospace and defense company specializing in advanced laser, lidar, optical communications, and electro-optical technologies and they're seeking a Configuration Management Specialist (CMS) to join their team. The client develops mission-critical solutions for NASA, the Department of Defense, and other government and commercial customers and as a member of the Configuration & Document Management team, you will play a key role in maintaining the integrity, traceability, and control of the configuration data and documentation that supports these efforts. Key responsibilities of the Configuration Management Specialist include managing configuration baselines, product structures, BOMs, engineering changes, and configuration status accounting activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with Program Management, Engineering, and support department staff. Working knowledge of ANSI/EIA-649 is a plus. The CM Specialist will report directly to the CM Manager. This position offers the ability to work remotely within the US. Essential Job Duties: Configuration Identification: Assign unique identifiers for custom parts, assemblies, and support documentation. Ensure part numbers are accurately documented and easily retrievable. Maintain established tracking of all part numbers and related specifications. Maintain configuration status accounting records to ensure accurate traceability of product and documentation changes. Release Management: Coordinate the release activities for baseline design files and ensure required approvals are obtained. Track and manage the status of design files throughout their lifecycle. Collaborate with engineering and program teams to ensure timely updates and releases. Change Control: Administer Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) in accordance with established change management processes. Document and track change requests via established workflows, ensuring they are reviewed and approved by relevant stakeholders. Communicate changes effectively to all affected teams and maintain updated records. Documentation Maintenance: Ensure all design files and documentation are up-to-date and comply with industry standards. Organize and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications and user manuals. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams to support product development and releases. Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss project updates, documentation needs, and process improvements. Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits of documentation and change control processes to ensure compliance with company standards. Identify and implement improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of configuration management practices. Training and Support: Provide training and support to staff members on configuration identification, release management, and change control processes. Serve as a point of contact for inquiries related to enterprise and program configuration data and documentation. Experience and Expertise Required: 5+ years of experience in Configuration Management, Data Management, Document Control, or a related discipline. Demonstrated working knowledge of configuration management standards and best practices. Experience with a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool or Document Management System (DMS) required. Experience supporting engineering change management, product structures, and BOM control required. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to multi-task. Strong analytical skills. Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience with Creo or similar CAD software preferred.