Senior Quality Engineer

Colonial Group; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives across the manufacturing process, driving CAPA, NPD support, and supplier quality improvements. You will mentor teams and partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure customer requirements and regulatory standards are met.

You will develop SPC methodologies, lead quality audits, and maintain quality documentation in ERP/MRP systems while promoting a safe, high-quality production

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Quality/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 5–8+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and solving manufacturing quality challenges.
• Strong knowledge of QMS (AS9100, ISO 14001) and customer-specific requirements.
• Proficiency with GD&T, inspection methods, and metrology tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of QA processes, inspection methods, and QMS to meet customer specs and regulatory requirements.
• Act as technical lead for complex quality issues; perform root cause analysis and CAPA implementations.
• Lead cross-functional investigations on product failures, supplier quality, and internal non-conformances.
• Analyze quality metrics and process capability to identify risks and propose improvements.
• Develop and maintain SPC methodologies and other quality tools to improve consistency.
• Support NPD, process validation, and manufacturing transfers with robust quality planning.
• Review drawings, control plans, PFMEAs, and inspection plans to ensure quality incorporation.
• Lead internal audits and support supplier/audit activities (AS9100/ISO 14001).
• Maintain quality documentation in ERP/MRP systems and ensure a safe work environment.

Skills

Quality engineering leadership

Quality management systems

Root cause analysis

CAPA

Statistical analysis (Excel)

Documentation & ERP/MRP

GD&T interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Manufacturing/ Quality/ Industrial Engineering

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) (preferred)

Tools

CMMs

Calipers

Micrometers

Hardness testers

Epicor ERP

Job description

What You\'ll Do

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering initiatives that ensure products consistently meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company quality objectives throughout the manufacturing process. This role provides technical leadership in quality systems, problem-solving, continuous improvement, and process optimization while serving as a key resource to Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations. The Senior Quality Engineer drives proactive quality improvements, mentors team members, and supports the organization\'s operational excellence initiatives.

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality assurance processes, procedures, inspection methods, and quality management systems to ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Serve as the technical lead for complex quality issues by conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurring defects
• Lead cross-functional investigations involving product failures, customer complaints, supplier quality concerns, and internal non-conformances
• Analyze quality metrics, process capability, and manufacturing trends to identify risks, prioritize improvement opportunities, and present recommendations to leadership
• Develop, implement, and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and other advanced quality tools to improve process capability and product consistency
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other operational excellence methodologies
• Partner with Engineering during new product development (NPD), process validation, design changes, and manufacturing transfers to ensure robust quality planning
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, control plans, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and inspection plans to ensure quality requirements are effectively incorporated
• Lead internal quality audits and support customers, suppliers, and third-party certification audits, including AS9100 and ISO 14001
• Support supplier qualification, performance monitoring, supplier audits, and corrective action activities to improve supplier quality performance
• Evaluate inspection methods, measurement systems, and testing equipment to improve accuracy and efficiency, including support of Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R activities
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation and records within ERP/MRP systems
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while adhering to all safety and quality procedures
• Attending meetings and trainings as assigned
• Complete projects as assigned

Team Responsibilities

• Provide necessary support to both facilities as needed
• Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert for Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, Inspectors, and manufacturing team members
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Materials, and Operations to proactively improve product quality and manufacturing performance
• Maintain a strong daily presence on the manufacturing floor to support production, resolve quality concerns, and drive continuous improvement
• Support quality initiatives and audits across multiple facilities as required
• Lead or facilitate cross-functional improvement teams and quality-focused projects

What You\'ll Bring

• Bachelor\'s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required
• 5–8+ years of progressive quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading quality improvement initiatives and solving complex manufacturing quality challenges.
• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems and industry standards including AS9100, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of quality methodologies including
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, CMMs (preferred), hardness testers, and other metrology tools
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Epicor experience preferred
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for statistical analysis and reporting.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is preferred
• Reliable transportation
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with clients & vendors
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, and pay close attention to details
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Regularly required to move, sit, and bend for various hours throughout the day