Sr Quality Engineer

Job Title

Quality Engineer

About Our Client

Our client is an established manufacturer of precision machined and cold formed fastening components, serving major automotive OEMs throughout the globe. As a division of a widely-known parent organization, this opportunity comes with the ability to make a difference but also expand your skillsets and career growth into the future. This role will be based at the primary distribution facility, with minimal travel to production sites, local to greater Chicagoland, as needed.

Job Description

Act as the primary quality liaison for key automotive and industrial customers, handling complaints, escalations, and resolution efforts. Ensure proper documentation is maintained and that all activities comply with quality, environmental, and safety standards. Coach and support quality technicians and production personnel in applying quality tools and problem-solving techniques. Collaborate with customers, suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams to address and resolve complex quality concerns. Offer technical input to enhance product design and manufacturing processes. Assist in technical discussions with both internal engineering teams and customers regarding product applications and performance. Build and maintain expertise in fastener products, production methods, and application requirements. Partner with engineering and operations to enhance process capability and prevent defects. Evaluate quality data and trends to uncover opportunities for process optimization and preventive improvements. Lead initiatives focused on cost reduction, productivity gains, and quality improvements using tools like Six Sigma, SPC, and Lean principles. Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure strong product and process quality during new launches. Contribute to APQP processes for new product development, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow documentation. Present QMS performance, quality metrics, and improvement efforts during Management Reviews, offering recommendations for enhancement. Support and lead efforts related to IATF 16949 compliance, including internal and customer audits. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS). Enhance containment strategies and corrective action systems to minimize repeat quality issues. Oversee implementation of corrective actions and verify their effectiveness, coordinating across facilities when needed for systemic concerns. Conduct structured root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and statistical methods. Address complex customer issues by ensuring timely containment, thorough investigation, and long-term corrective solutions. Manage customer communications, reporting, and onsite engagement to build strong partnerships and align expectations.

The Successful Applicant

Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering-or comparable hands-on experience in a related field. At least five years of experience in quality engineering, ideally within automotive or high-volume production environments. Proven background in customer-facing quality roles, particularly handling complex or sensitive customer issues. Solid expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action techniques, including 8D and 5 Whys. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and their practical application. Experience working with automotive customer portals and meeting OEM-specific requirements. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and organizational abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic setting. Experience with precision machining. Experience leading junior engineer, techs, and inspectors is strongly preferred. Multi-site manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.

What's on Offer

Salary up to $120,000. World-class health benefits - medical, dental, vision. 401k match plan. Flexible PTO. More!

Job Summary

Sector: Engineering & Manufacturing. Sub Sector: Quality, Technical. Industry: Industrial / Manufacturing. Where: Bartlett. Contract Type: Permanent. Consultant name: Ed Lieser. Job Reference: JN-062026-7036155.