Quality Engineer

Guided Search Partners; Missouri; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An executive search firm is seeking a Quality Engineer at a manufacturing site in Missouri. This role is targeted for early-career engineers looking for hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in automotive. The Quality Engineer will develop control systems, lead root cause analysis, and partner with production and engineering teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience with tools like 8D and SPC. This position promotes continuous improvement and requires strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with quality tools like 8D and 5-Why.
• Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop quality control systems to meet specifications.
• Lead RCA and drive corrective actions.
• Partner within internal teams for quality standards integration.
• Conduct audits to ensure procedural compliance.
• Analyze quality data to support continuous improvement.
• Train team members on quality procedures.
• Act as a key customer contact for quality issues.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Corrective and Preventative Actions

Structured Problem-Solving

Effective Communication

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

8D

5-Why

Fishbone/Ishikawa

SPC

Job description

Guided Search Partners (GSP) Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a manufacturing site that produces injection molded and painted components for automotive OEM customers. The team is adding a third Quality Engineer to strengthen customer support and drive consistent quality performance across the operation.

This role is ideal for an early-career engineer (2–6 years) who wants hands‑on responsibility—working problems end‑to‑end, partnering closely with production and engineering, and building a strong foundation in structured problem‑solving and customer‑facing quality.

Automotive experience is a plus but not required. The must‑have is experiencing leading RCA/Corrective Actions using tools like 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and improve quality control systems to meet customer specifications and relevant standards (including IATF 16949).
• Lead root cause analysis and drive corrective and preventative actions (RCA/CAPA) to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with production, engineering, and design to integrate quality standards into daily execution.
• Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with procedures bobn required.
• Analyze quality data (SPC, capability studies looks to identify trends and support continuous improvement.
• Maintain quality documentation (control plans, inspection records, metrics).
• Train and mentor team members on quality procedures and inspection methods.
• Serve as a key customer contact for quality issues—managing containment, RCA, and corrective action reporting (8D, portals/tools).

Who You Are

• Early‑career but confident—comfortable owning problems and working cross-equally.
• Strong in structured problem‑solving and follow‑through.
• Clear communicator who can represent quality with both internal teams and customers.
• Motivated by continuous improvement and practical, data‑backed decisions.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive preferred, not required).
• Hands‑on experience with 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, and corrective action execution.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field (preferred).
• Familiarity with SPC, Lean/Six Sigma concepts, and quality data analysis.
• Exposure to IATF 16949 / ISO standards and customer‑specific requirements (nice to have).

Why This Role Matters

This role helps protect customer satisfaction and plant performance by solving quality problems at the root and building stronger systems to prevent repeat problems. As the third QE, you’ll be part of a growing team where your work is visible, practical, and directly tied to results.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Quality Manager
• Quality Engineering team: 3 QEs total (including two current QEs: one ~10 years’ experience and one ~1 year)