Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description:

E.H. Wachs, an ITW Company, is a recognized world leader in the manufacture and distribution of field machining and valve exercising equipment.

Join us as a Supplier Quality Engineer and play a pivotal role in elevating product excellence from the ground up. In this dynamic onsite position located in Lincolnshire, IL, you'll be the champion of quality assurance and our ISO quality system, shape the standards that guide our operations, and build strong, performance?driven partnerships with suppliers. From qualifying new suppliers to driving root?cause analyses and continuous improvement initiatives, you'll be the catalyst ensuring every component we purchase meets the highest level of quality.

If you're energized by solving problems, improving processes, and building a culture where quality fuels progress, this role offers the impact and ownership you're looking for.

How You Will Make an Impact

Champion Quality Systems, Compliance, and Organizational Standards

• Develop and maintain quality procedures, standards, and performance metrics to ensure consistent product excellence.
• Champion the business unit's ISO 9001:2015 certification efforts, including leading audits, management reviews, and cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Maintain the organization's Quality Handbook, ensuring it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with evolving standards.
• Conduct internal audits, PPAP reviews, and first article inspections to verify compliance with specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Perform regular audits of supplier facilities and processes to ensure adherence to both internal and regulatory quality requirements.
• Build systems and structures that empower cross-functional teams to succeed, embedding quality as a core organizational principle .
  
• Embraces special projects or work as assigned.

Strengthen Supplier Partnerships Through Evaluation, Accountability, and Operational Excellence

• Ensure all purchased components and services meet quality standards through ongoing monitoring, audits, and compliance verification.
• Partner with procurement and engineering to evaluate and qualify new suppliers, assessing capabilities and alignment with company requirements.
• Develop and implement Supplier Quality Agreements to establish clear expectations for performance, documentation, and compliance.
• Track supplier performance metrics-including defect rates and on-time delivery-to identify trends and drive targeted improvements.
• Lead structured root-cause investigations (Fishbone, 5 Whys, 8D) and verify corrective action effectiveness.
• Issue NCRs, initiate SCARs, and take proactive measures when quality concerns arise, including placing materials on hold when needed.
• Cultivate strong, improvement-driven partnerships with suppliers through proactive communication and consistent follow-through.

Drive Continuous Improvement Through Insight, Innovation, and Technical Expertise

• Convert quality and performance data into actionable improvement plans that elevate product reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and training in quality methodologies and process controls.
• Support Lean/ITW Toolbox implementation to help suppliers eliminate waste and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to new product development by conducting PFMEA, developing Control Plans, and performing vendor capability assessments for strong product launches.
• Promote a culture of growth and learning-encouraging smarter, more efficient, and more resilient practices.

What you need to be successful in this role:

• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Ability to build and leverage relationships among peers, other departments, suppliers, and customers. Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and external suppliers, to improve product quality.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify issues, analyze data, and develop informed, effective solutions regarding supplier performance and quality issues.
• Communication Skills : Excellent oral and written communication skills. Effective communication with various stakeholders, including internal team members, management, and external suppliers. Demonstrated ability to present and facilitate in front of groups.
• Technical Aptitude: Strong understanding of quality control principles, statistical analysis, and relevant manufacturing processes.
• Strong Organization Skills: Highly focused, organized, and strong ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Adaptability: Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment that values an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Driven: Self-motivated, persistent, goal-oriented, and results-driven mindset with the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail: The ability to meticulously assess products and process to identify potential issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field plus 3-5 years of applicable work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced degrees or certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) are highly valued.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO9001:2015) requirements
• Prior Auditing Experience
• Understanding of basic gauges for manufacturing including CMM/PC-DMIS
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook) and familiar with ERP systems for quality documentation and data analysis.
• Must be available for up to 40% travel within the United States

Physical Demands


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms and regularly required to walk. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Compensation Information:

Why E.H. Wachs division of ITW?

Here's what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits - 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance - Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits - 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance - tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At E.H. Wachs, we're not just a place to work - we're a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. For more details, visit our Benefits page. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!

Compensation Information


The annual base salary range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 annually. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. The company considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as geographic location, market, and business considerations.


Additional Information

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.


As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.


ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.


As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.