Quality Engineer

ITW Specialty Films NA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW Specialty Films in Chicago, IL is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive product quality, process capability and ISO 9001 compliance across our film manufacturing operations. You will lead quality systems, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives, collaborate with R&D and production, and support supplier quality and customer requirements.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 2–5 years of manufacturing quality experience, along with strong analytical,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related field.
• 2–5 years quality engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, SPC, root cause analysis, PFMEA, CAPA and process control methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, statistical software, dashboards).
• Hands‑on product validation, trials, testing, troubleshooting and root cause investigations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ISO 9001 adherence and audits.
• Manage Quality and Manufacturing document control including distribution, revision control, and removal of obsolete materials.
• Lead implementation of customer specific quality requirements and standardized work procedures.
• Develop and analyze statistical data and product specifications to establish quality standards and reliability expectations.
• Prepare quality metrics, monthly data reviews, and management level dashboards summarizing process performance.
• Lead hands‑on problem solving efforts to investigate defects, validate root causes, conduct product and process testing and reduce scrap using lab equipment and gauges.
• Provide direction to inspection and testing personnel to ensure consistent, controlled processes.
• Partner with R&D and Process Engineering to support new product development, trials, and process qualification activities.
• Support optimization of operations affecting inks, coatings, film manufacturing, finishing, and warehousing.
• Investigate and respond to customer complaints, identify root causes, and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Serve as the liaison between customers and ITW regarding product quality concerns.
• Support supplier development efforts and ensure incoming material quality.
• Review and disposition nonconforming materials and ensure appropriate rework inspection.
• Document and report rejected items, deviations, and quality trends.

Skills

ISO 9001 knowledge

SPC

Root cause analysis

PFMEA

CAPA

Process control

Analytical skills

Project management

Data analysis

Dashboards

Troubleshooting

Engineering judgment

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Customer-facing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Statistical software

Dashboards

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Lean

Job description

ITW Specialty Films manufactures and markets specialized coated and metallized films used in Secure ID, Medical Specialty Bags, Financial Cards, Laminations, and Holographic applications. With multiple manufacturing facilities in the US, UK, and Germany, the division leverages core competencies in films, foils, holography, and laminates to meet complex customer needs.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring product integrity, process capability, and compliance across film‑manufacturing operations. This role supports operational process control, quality improvement initiatives, scrap reduction, supplier development, and new‑product development activities. The position also provides technical leadership for ISO 9001 Quality Management System maintenance and internal/external audits. This position requires advanced technical knowledge in engineering principles, quality systems, statistical analysis, and manufacturing processes; duties consistent with a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Oversee plant adherence to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and participate in internal/external audits.
• Manage Quality and Manufacturing document control including distribution, revision control, and removal of obsolete materials.
• Lead implementation of customer specific quality requirements and standardized work procedures.

Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and analyze statistical data and product specifications to establish quality standards and reliability expectations.
• Prepare quality metrics, monthly data reviews, and management level dashboards summarizing process performance.
• Lead hands‑on problem solving efforts to investigate defects, validate root causes, conduct product and process testing and reduce scrap using lab equipment and gauges.

Operational Support & Process Optimization

• Provide direction to inspection and testing personnel to ensure consistent, controlled processes.
• Partner with R&D and Process Engineering to support new product development, trials, and process qualification activities.
• Support optimization of operations affecting inks, coatings, film manufacturing, finishing, and warehousing.
• Investigate and respond to customer complaints, identify root causes, and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Serve as the liaison between customers and ITW regarding product quality concerns.
• Support supplier development efforts and ensure incoming material quality.
• Review and disposition nonconforming materials and ensure appropriate rework inspection.
• Document and report rejected items, deviations, and quality trends.

Cross Functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Provide Customer Back suggestions to improve quality, reduce scrap, and increase first pass yield.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement and problem solving activities within the pressroom.
• Cross train on adjacent processes and support teammates during high volume periods.
• Communicate clearly at shift handoff regarding quality trends, equipment condition, and next run readiness.

Other Duties

• Support other projects and initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, Materials, or similar).
• 2–5 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, SPC, root cause analysis, PFMEA, CAPA, and process control methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, statistical software, dashboards).
• Experience performing hands‑on product validation, trials, testing, troubleshooting and root cause investigations in a manufacturing environment.
• Role requires the application of engineering judgment, statistical modeling, and technical problem solving; all requiring degree level specialized knowledge.
• Tasks involve complex manufacturing processes, scientific product evaluation, and standards based regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective cross functional partnerships.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to lead problem solving efforts and influence outcomes across functions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results.
• Experience preferred in coated films, coatings, converting, laminates, or chemical film processing.
• Experience preferred with 80/20, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Lean tools.
• Customer facing experience preferred including handling complaints or technical inquiries.

Compensation Information:

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we invest in creating an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. For more details, visit our Benefits page.

In addition, our benefits include paid vacation, sick, holiday and parental leave. Base salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Company considers various factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.