Quality Engineer
Location: South Chicago Suburbs
Compensation:
$75,000 to $85,000
A leading manufacturing organization is seeking a Quality Engineer to serve as a key liaison between customers and plant operations. This role focuses on implementing and improving statistical methods, analyzing quality costs, developing procedures, and supporting ISO/IATF compliance. The successful candidate will lead 8D problem-solving efforts and assist with plant quality audits to ensure continuous improvement and superior product performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a liaison between Manufacturing and Quality teams regarding customer specifications, quality requirements, and issue resolution.
- Review customer complaints, analyze returns, and recommend effective corrective actions.
- Evaluate statistical data and present findings using visual and analytical tools; support implementation of statistical quality methods and improvement programs.
- Participate in annual plant audits and system surveys to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Maintain and enhance group Quality Assurance procedures and documentation.
- Collaborate with Application Engineering and Sales teams to address product development and application challenges.
- Drive continuous improvement in testing methods, tooling, and equipment through statistical sampling to enhance product quality.
- Partner with Engineering to develop efficient and practical testing processes for new product lines.
- Conduct process audits and daily evaluations to ensure adherence to standards and consistent product quality.
- Provide operational support to the Quality Department and respond flexibly to urgent quality issues.
- Travel to customer and supplier sites as needed to address quality concerns.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
- ASQC certification or equivalent credentials preferred.
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of experience in manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of ISO/IATF standards, quality processes, and automotive industry requirements.
- Proven experience in product and process failure analysis and use of quality techniques such as SPC, TQM, and Kaizen.
- Demonstrated success in cross-functional problem-solving with production teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; strong communication, presentation, and leadership abilities.
- Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Knowledge of fastener manufacturing or similar precision production processes is a plus.
