Quality Engineer

Sterling Engineering; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to own the quality function at its University Park, IL facility. You will build and improve quality processes, lead audits, corrective actions, inspections, first articles, supplier quality, and continuous improvement while developing the quality systems for legacy and future products.

The role starts as a one-person quality function with no direct reports, with potential to grow a team as the operation expands.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of hands-on quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience working within an ISO 9001 environment.
• Experience leading quality audits; auditor certification can be obtained if needed.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with corrective actions, root cause analysis, inspections, and quality process improvement.
• Experience developing or implementing quality procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Ability to interpret technical procedures, specifications, and regulations.
• AAR M-1003 experience, Six Sigma Green Belt, or ASQ certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 30%

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System
• Lead ISO 9001 audits and maintain audit readiness
• Develop and implement quality procedures, processes, and work instructions
• Manage the internal quality audit program
• Lead corrective actions, root cause investigations, and sustainable process improvements
• Manage nonconforming product through resolution
• Develop and improve final inspection and quality acceptance criteria
• Determine requirements for and manage First Article Inspection Requests (FAIRs)
• Evaluate supplier/vendor quality systems and drive supplier corrective actions
• Perform quality spot checks and identify manufacturing quality gaps
• Support change management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Train and coach employees on Lean, quality, and continuous improvement tools
• Partner with Manufacturing, Materials, Engineering, suppliers, and leadership
• Travel as needed for supplier visits and product support

Skills

Quality management

ISO 9001

Audits

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Our client is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to take ownership of the quality function at its University Park facility. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building and improving quality processes, rather than simply maintaining an established system.

This role will initially operate as a one-person quality function with no direct reports, with the potential to build a team as the operation grows. You'll lead audits, corrective actions, inspections, first articles, supplier quality, and continuous improvement while developing the quality systems needed to support both legacy and future products.

What You'll Do

• Own and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System
• Lead ISO 9001 audits and maintain audit readiness
• Develop and implement quality procedures, processes, and work instructions
• Manage the internal quality audit program
• Lead corrective actions, root cause investigations, and sustainable process improvements
• Manage nonconforming product through resolution
• Develop and improve final inspection and quality acceptance criteria
• Determine requirements for and manage First Article Inspection Requests (FAIRs)
• Evaluate supplier/vendor quality systems and drive supplier corrective actions
• Perform quality spot checks and identify manufacturing quality gaps
• Support change management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Train and coach employees on Lean, quality, and continuous improvement tools
• Partner with Manufacturing, Materials, Engineering, suppliers, and leadership
• Travel as needed for supplier visits and product support

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of hands-on quality experience in a manufacturing environment; seasoned candidates are also encouraged to apply
• Strong experience working within an ISO 9001 environment
• Experience leading quality audits; auditor certification can be obtained if needed
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with corrective actions, root cause analysis, inspections, and quality process improvement
• Experience developing or implementing quality procedures and acceptance criteria
• Ability to interpret technical procedures, specifications, and regulations
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to independently manage the quality function and influence employees without direct authority
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience considered
• AAR M-1003 experience, Six Sigma Green Belt, or ASQ certification is a plus
• Ability to travel up to 30%

Why This Role?

This isn't a maintenance-focused Quality Manager position. You'll have the opportunity to build the quality foundation, identify gaps, implement new processes, and shape how quality operates as the facility grows, with the potential to develop a quality team in the future.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.