Senior Quality Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks a Senior Quality Engineer in Lake Zurich, IL, to lead quality improvement initiatives across various industries including aerospace and automotive. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5-8+ years of experience, and familiarity with quality standards like IATF 16949 and ISO 13485. Responsibilities include managing quality projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and conducting audits. The position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Experience working with quality standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and AS9100.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, and QMS processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead key continuous improvement quality projects.
• Apply statistical methods to improve efficiency.
• Work with customers to resolve quality issues.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Continuous improvement

Root cause analysis

Problem-solving tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SPC

FMEA

Control Plans

Job description

This role is for a Senior Quality Engineer who will serve as a key resource for quality requirements, processes, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position supports multiple industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics, and industrial machinery.

Job Duties

• Lead key continuous improvement quality projects.
• Apply statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize production data to improve efficiency.
• Work directly with internal and external customers to resolve quality questions, concerns, complaints, and rejects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to address quality issues and drive corrective actions through implementation and verification.
• Support the inspection department with internal investigations and material disposition.
• Conduct internal audits, customer audits, supplier audits, and customer visits as required.
• Utilize statistical tools including correlation, regression, gage R&R, process capability, SPC, and analysis of variance to improve manufacturing capability.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving methods such as fishbone diagrams and 5-Why analysis.
• Manage multiple quality improvement projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Experience working with quality standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and AS9100.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and QMS processes.
• Strong background in corrective actions, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Proficiency using statistical analysis tools to evaluate and improve manufacturing processes.
• Experience conducting internal QMS audits.
• Automotive, aerospace, or medical manufacturing experience preferred.