Quality Engineer

Dober; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dober Chemical is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive a proactive, data-driven quality culture, strengthening ISO compliance and advancing built-in process controls, supplier integrity, and continuous improvement.

This role partners cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence through standardized work, audits, supplier management, and real-time data visibility, promoting accountability and zero-defect design across the organization.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to drive quality culture using data.
• Understand FDA-regulated quality requirements and ISO standards.
• Capable of leading corrective actions and audits.
• Collaborate across functions to sustain process quality.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve ISO-compliant QMS; lead audits.
• Support PPAP, Control Plans, FMEA, APQP; bridge customer requirements.
• Use SPC, CP, and in-line verification to design quality into processes.
• Lead root cause investigations and monitor effectiveness of actions.
• Build trend analyses and dashboards to identify risks.
• Conduct supplier audits and manage supplier performance metrics.

Skills

Quality engineering

Data-driven

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SPC

Gage R&R

APQP

FMEA

PPAP

Control Plans

Job description

Since 1957, Dober Chemical has grown through innovation, strong partnerships, and a culture of Mutual Trust and Respect. We empower employees to make a difference, reward fresh ideas, and support both professional and personal growth.

Our five Core Values foster a collaborative, people-first environment where your work truly matters. Join us and help shape the future with a company built on trust, creativity, and purpose.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid time off (PTO), paid parental leave, volunteer time off, and a Calm app membership. Our expanding wellness program supports your overall health and work-life balance.

Check us out at: www.dober.com and www.spindlelive.com

The Quality Engineer drives a proactive, data-driven quality culture by designing quality into processes—not inspecting it in after the fact. This role strengthens ISO compliance while advancing quality systems and built-in process controls, supplier integrity, and continuous improvement.

The Quality Engineer partners cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence through standardized work, statistical process control, structured audits, supplier quality management, and disciplined corrective action. This role champions accountability, real-time data visibility, and zero-error process design.

1. Quality Management System & Compliance

• Maintain and improve the ISO-compliant Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead internal audits and customer audits; ensure timely closure and effectiveness verification of corrective actions.
• Support progression toward automotive standards, including PPAP, Control Plans, FMEA, and APQP methodologies.
• Understand minimum customer requirements in FDA regulated industries and ensure the QMS is built to bridge rigorous quality standards.
• Ensure documentation integrity, change control compliance, and standardized work across critical processes.

2. Built-In Quality & Process Excellence

• Integrate quality at every stage using SPC, critical control points, in-line verification, and process validation techniques.
• Design and validate test methods (Gage R&R, correlation, progression studies).
• Analyze historical performance data to drive proactive specification improvements and reduce variability.
• Support mistake-proofing, digital verification, and structured process controls to prevent defects before they occur.

3. Data-Driven Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause investigations for internal failures and customer issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions with effectiveness monitoring.
• Build trend analysis, predictive insights, and performance dashboards to proactively identify risk.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives that reduce waste, variation, and cycle time while improving customer satisfaction.
• Support cross-functional Kaizen and process optimization initiatives.
• Conduct supplier audits (paper and on-site) and manage supplier performance metrics.
• Ensure raw material verification, traceability, and supplier qualification standards.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to prevent defects at the source.

5. Customer & Audit Readiness

• Support customer audits, quality agreements, and documentation requests.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and performance metrics at all times.
• Ensure quality standards meet or exceed customer expectations.

6. Culture, Leadership & Accountability

• Champion a culture of ownership where quality is embedded in every role.
• Support training on quality systems, statistical tools, and standardized processes.
• Promote stop-work authority, proactive error prevention, and open reporting.