Automotive Quality Lead - IATF 16949 & US Launch

German American Chambers of Commerce; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with match

Paid Time Off up to 20 days

8 paid company holidays

Job summary

German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC Midwest) is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager for its U.S. operation in Chicago area.

You will own the site Quality Management System and drive IATF 16949 readiness while sustaining ISO 9001 compliance, supporting new automotive programs and customer audits. Reporting to the President and collaborating with US and German teams, you will lead core quality processes, develop documentation, and mentor staff to build a robust, automotive-ready quality

Qualifications

• Progressive quality experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 in an IATF-certified environment.
• Hands-on Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans).
• Experience with internal, customer, or third-party quality audits.
• Experience supporting automotive product launches and customer requirements.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the site QMS.
• Prepare the U.S. operation for IATF 16949 certification while maintaining ISO 9001 compliance.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and control plans.
• Coordinate customer audit preparation and support automotive customer visits.
• Apply and strengthen Automotive Core Tools across processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Tooling, Purchasing, Production, and other teams to establish robust quality processes.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Train and coach employees on quality systems, processes, and documentation.
• Monitor quality performance through KPIs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Work closely with German headquarters as the primary local quality leader for the U.S. operation.

Skills

Automotive quality

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership potential

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

MSA

SPC

Control Plans

ISO 9001

Job description

German American Chambers of Commerce (GACC Midwest) is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager for its U.S. operation in Chicago area.

You will own the site Quality Management System and drive IATF 16949 readiness while sustaining ISO 9001 compliance, supporting new automotive programs and customer audits. Reporting to the President and collaborating with US and German teams, you will lead core quality processes, develop documentation, and mentor staff to build a robust, automotive-ready quality