Quality Engineering Manager: Lead Cross-Functional Quality

Wabtec; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a Quality Engineering Manager to lead a team of Quality Engineers across product lifecycles, driving quality planning, risk reduction, and structured problem solving. You will partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.

The role requires 7+ years in quality engineering with at least 5 years in leadership, strong knowledge of ISO 9001, and expertise in APQP, FMEA, PPAP, SPC and DOE.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in quality engineering with 5+ years in leadership.
• Proven success implementing quality improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and similar standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Quality Engineers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Lead quality initiatives supporting customer programs, manufacturing operations, suppliers, and new product development activities.
• Provide technical leadership for customer quality issues, ensuring timely containment, root cause analysis, corrective action, and communication.
• Serve as the quality lead for high-impact projects and critical business initiatives.
• Drive the use of structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, DMAIC, and root cause analysis, to resolve complex quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Lead APQP New Product Development (NPD) quality activities, including risk assessments, validation planning, and launch readiness reviews.
• Apply and promote quality tools and methodologies including FMEA, PPAP, SPC, MSA, DOE, and Control Plans to improve product and process performance.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to achieve quality objectives and improve customer satisfaction.
• Lead customer-facing quality activities including audits, issue resolution, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze quality data and performance metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support supplier quality improvement activities, including issue resolution, risk mitigation, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and deliver quality-related training and coaching to build organizational capability and strengthen quality awareness.
• Ensure compliance with quality management system requirements, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Drive improvements in quality systems, tools, processes, and reporting methods to enhance product quality, operational performance, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Engineering

Problem Solving

Communication

Project Management

Quality Systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Oracle ERP

FMEA

Job description

Wabtec in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a Quality Engineering Manager to lead a team of Quality Engineers across product lifecycles, driving quality planning, risk reduction, and structured problem solving. You will partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.

The role requires 7+ years in quality engineering with at least 5 years in leadership, strong knowledge of ISO 9001, and expertise in APQP, FMEA, PPAP, SPC and DOE.