Quality Engineer

Description

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission‑critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED’s current salary range for this role is $84,000 to $108,500 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer (QE) ensures products and processes meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements while acting as a key representative of the Quality Assurance function. The role leads root‑cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous‑improvement initiatives, and may serve as a primary customer interface for quality‑related concerns, audits, and issue resolution. The QE is a critical component of CED’s internal audit process for preparing for internal and external audits.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate and facilitate customer‑required test witnessing and examination of product functions,
  including arranging for and supporting customer source inspections in accordance with contractual requirements
• Conduct quality tests, compile and analyze performance data, prepare detailed reports,
  and present findings to support product and process improvements
• Ensure compliance with customer and/or industry requirements needed for product design and assembly
• Understand and interpret all manufacturing audits, including AS9100D, ISO 9001, customer requirements,
  and other industry standards
• Review and interpret customer, engineering, and manufacturing specifications to lead internal quality activities,
  drive root cause analysis, validate corrective actions, and ensure final outcomes meet quality and compliance requirements
• Provide guidance to other positions within Quality Assurance in support of development and problem solving
• Ensure compliance with CED’s Quality Management System (QMS) and other internal procedures and requirements
• With supervisory support, initiate follow‑up of non‑conformance reports through closure;
  participate in corrective action processes as required
• Professionally lead or participate in customer‑related communications, activities, and investigations as assigned
• Coordinate, witness, and facilitate customer‑required test witnessing and examination of product functions,
  including arranging for and supporting customer source inspections in accordance with contractual requirements
• Lead or perform internal audits, prepare audit reports, and follow findings through closure;
  provide guidance to internal auditors who typically work outside Quality Assurance to improve their capabilities
• Support audits and process review/changes related to DCMA, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs),
  Project/Program Books, and related activities

Other Job Functions:

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, BACM, Code of Conduct,
  and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Perform special projects and other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Supervisor Responsibility:

N/A

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a first line quality function (e.g. auditing, quality systems coordination, or inspection) in a regulated environment to include AS9100, ISO 9001
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience maintaining Quality Management System (QMS) utilizing a strong working knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP
• ASME Y14.5 certification (GD&T related)
• Experience working within the quality requirements of aerospace and defense industry is desirable

Skills and Qualifications:

• Lawful U.S. person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended)
  as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings
• Exceptional attention to detail, high accuracy, and ability to independently handle multiple assignments
• Working knowledge of GD&T
• Proven skills utilizing recognized problem‑solving techniques (8D, 5W, Fishbone, Root Cause, etc.)
• Comfortable interacting professionally with customer quality representatives and inspectors;
  ensures alignment with customer inspection and documentation requirements
• Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, D365)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to work effectively with internal and external customers

Physical and Other Requirements:

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve routine periods of walking or standing. Routine use of computer.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and / or required.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

The “Know Your Rights” Poster is available here: EEOC Know Your Rights

CED’s EEO Policy Statement is available here: CED EEO Policy Statement

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.