Quality Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer will own the full quality management system — from incoming materials and in-process inspection to final release and customer corrective actions. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this individual will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory and customer compliance, and lead a team of quality technicians and inspectors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) including audits, documentation, and certifications (IATF 16949, ISO 9001 preferred)
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for internal and customer-reported quality issues
• Manage customer portals, PPAPs, Control Plans, FMEAs, and MSA requirements
• Partner with production, engineering, and maintenance to drive defect reduction and process improvement initiatives
• Lead and coach a quality team — inspectors, technicians, and lab personnel — through hands-on leadership
• Establish and monitor KPIs: scrap rate, first-pass yield, customer PPM, internal audit findings
• Interface directly with customers and suppliers on quality concerns, audits, and qualification activities
• Support new product launches and process validation activities
• Champion a zero-defect mindset across the plant floor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of quality engineer experience in a manufacturing environment — metal finishing, plating, stamping, or related industry strongly preferred
• Proven experience in IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 quality systems
• Hands-on knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC
• Strong corrective action and problem-solving skills (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Experience leading and developing quality personnel at the floor level
• Proficient in quality data analysis, reporting, and ERP/QMS systems
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• CQE, CQM, or similar ASQ certification a plus

WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART

• Stable, established client with long-term contracts and customer relationships
• Direct line to plant leadership — your voice will be heard and your decisions supported
• Opportunity to build and formalize quality systems with real authority and resources
• VSG client known for promoting operational leaders from within

COMPENSATION & DETAILS

Location:        Rockford, Illinois (on-site)

Employment Type: Direct Hire / Full-Time

Compensation:    Competitive base salary + benefits package (details shared with qualified candidates)

Travel:          Minimal

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.
Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.

Company Description

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW\r\nVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.\r\nDue to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.