Senior Quality Engineer

STS Technical Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Technical Services is looking for a Senior Quality Engineer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This pivotal role involves leading quality initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and enhancing manufacturing processes in a growing company.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality engineering, particularly in manufacturing, and a strong understanding of APQP, PFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies. This position offers an opportunity to inspire change across multiple product lines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and quality engineering tools.
• Strong command of Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Experience with data analysis and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Improvement initiatives across operations to reduce defects.
• Implement APQP including PFD, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Drive problem solving using methodologies like 8D and 5 Why.
• Mentor production teams on quality tools and best practices.

Skills

Quality Engineering experience

Continuous Improvement methodologies

Data analysis tools

Structured problem solving

Leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

ERP systems (Epicor)

Job description

STS Technical Services is hiring a Senior Quality Engineer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a high-impact role supporting a growing manufacturing client, focused on leading advanced quality initiatives, strengthening quality systems, and driving continuous improvement across multiple product lines. If you know how to take APQP from theory to execution and hold teams accountable to real results, this is your lane.

Position Overview

Our client is a growing manufacturing company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to lead advanced quality initiatives, drive systemic improvements, and strengthen manufacturing quality systems across multiple product lines. This role is ideal for a hands‑on engineer who excels at implementing APQP, leading cross‑functional problem‑solving, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

You will serve as a technical authority on quality engineering practices, owning the development, deployment, and sustainment of quality processes that directly impact product reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex Quality Improvement and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across fabrication, welding, paint, and assembly operations to reduce defects, improve process capability, and enhance customer experience.
• Own and implement APQP, including PFD (Process Flow Diagram), PFMEA (Design and Process), and Control Plan, and validation activities for new and existing products.
• Drive structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and other root cause methodologies; ensure robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and sustained.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain quality documentation such as inspection standards, control plans, and SOPs to ensure process consistency and compliance.
• Analyze quality performance data, identify trends, and present actionable insights to leadership with clear recommendations.
• Support internal and supplier audits, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable standards; partner with suppliers to improve incoming quality and reduce supply chain risk.
• Mentor and coach production teams on quality tools, defect prevention, and best practices to elevate overall quality maturity.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure quality requirements are integrated throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support quality readiness and process validation for new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Travel between three local sites (within 5 miles) as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in metal fabrication, painting, welding, or mechanical and electrical assembly.
• Proven experience implementing APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and other core quality engineering tools such as SPC, MSA Gage R&R, and process capability analysis.
• Strong command of continuous improvement methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen with demonstrated results in reducing defects and improving process capability.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, or similar; experience with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) and SharePoint is a plus.
• Skilled in structured problem solving, quality metrics, and process validation.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management abilities.
• Professional certifications such as CQE, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Black Belt are highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required; advanced degree a plus.
• Fluency in English; Spanish language skills are an advantage.