Senior Quality Engineer

ExcelliSearch, Inc.; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ExcelliSearch, Inc. is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to strengthen QMS, drive continuous improvement, and lead structured problem solving in a metals manufacturing setting.

You will manage audits, corrective actions, and supplier quality programs, while mentoring internal auditors and interfacing with customers and third-party auditors to ensure compliance with ISO 9001/AS9100 and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum five years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with Quality Management Systems, internal auditing, supplier quality, and corrective action management.
• Significant experience leading structured problem-solving initiatives (8D and root cause analysis).
• Extensive knowledge of FMEA and Control Plans.
• Six Sigma Black Belt with experience completing multiple improvement projects.
• Qualified Lead Auditor with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 experience.
• Experience developing quality procedures, conducting audits, and training personnel.
• Strong Lean manufacturing knowledge and continuous improvement experience.
• Previous metals manufacturing experience or metallurgy knowledge.
• Experience with dimensional inspection, metrology systems, calibration programs, and CMM technology.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
• ASQ certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead internal and supplier quality audits and close out corrective actions.
• Serve as Lead Auditor and train internal auditors.
• Facilitate corrective action requests with verification and sustainability reviews.
• Lead cross-functional 8D, root cause analysis, and problem-solving efforts.
• Support supplier quality programs including supplier audits and nonconformance handling.
• Interface with customers and third-party auditors on quality requirements.
• Interpret drawings and technical requirements for manufacturing and inspection teams.
• Coordinate customer audits and external quality system assessments.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures and deviations as needed.
• Support dimensional inspection and metrology programs (CMM, lasers, Romer, 3D software).
• Improve measurement techniques and equipment utilization with inspection staff.
• Oversee calibration programs, measurement system validation, and calibration records.
• Develop quality performance metrics and drive process improvements.
• Apply FMEA, Control Plans, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies to strengthen controls.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and supply chain to resolve quality concerns.
• Promote safety, quality accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Quality management systems

Internal auditing

Supplier quality

Corrective action

8D problem solving

Root cause analysis

FMEA

Control Plans

Six Sigma Black Belt

Lead Auditor

ISO 9001

AS9100

Lean manufacturing

metallurgy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)

Laser measurement

Romer technology

3D inspection software

Job description

Senior Quality Engineer – Manufacturing

Quality Systems | Corrective Action | Supplier Quality | Internal Auditing

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to support and strengthen quality management systems within a metals manufacturing environment. This position plays a key role in driving continuous improvement, leading structured problem-solving initiatives, managing corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with customer and industry quality standards.

The ideal candidate brings a strong technical manufacturing background, extensive experience with quality systems and auditing, and the ability to work collaboratively with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to improve quality performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).

• Lead and participate in internal and supplier quality audits, including identifying nonconformances, documenting findings, communicating results, and ensuring corrective action closure.

• Serve as a Lead Auditor and provide training, mentoring, and guidance to internal auditors.

• Facilitate Corrective Action Requests (CARs), including verification, effectiveness measurement, and sustainability audits to prevent recurring quality issues.

• Lead cross-functional structured problem-solving initiatives utilizing 8D, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.

• Support supplier quality programs, including supplier audits, inspection plans, nonconformance evaluations, and disposition of nonconforming materials.

• Interface directly with customers and third-party auditors regarding quality requirements, specifications, manufacturing capabilities, product concerns, and corrective actions.

• Interpret customer specifications, engineering drawings, and technical requirements, providing guidance and training to manufacturing and inspection personnel.

• Coordinate and support customer audits, external quality system audits, and customer inspection activities.

• Develop and maintain quality procedures, documentation, and customer-specific deviations when required.

• Support dimensional inspection and metrology programs, including CMM, laser measurement, Romer technology, and associated 3D inspection software.

• Partner with inspection personnel to improve measurement techniques, equipment utilization, and inspection accuracy.

• Provide oversight and continuous improvement of calibration programs, measurement system validation, equipment certifications, and calibration records.

• Develop, monitor, and communicate quality performance metrics to identify trends, reduce defects, and improve manufacturing processes.

• Apply FMEA, Control Plans, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies to strengthen process controls, eliminate waste, and drive measurable improvements.

• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and supply chain teams to resolve quality concerns and support operational excellence.

• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or equivalent education and experience.

• Minimum five years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong experience with Quality Management Systems, internal auditing, supplier quality, and corrective action management.

• Significant experience leading structured problem-solving initiatives utilizing 8D and root cause analysis.

• Extensive knowledge of process control methodologies, particularly FMEA and Control Plans.

• Six Sigma Black Belt with experience completing multiple improvement projects.

• Qualified Lead Auditor with experience in ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.

• Experience developing quality procedures, conducting audits, and training manufacturing personnel.

• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Previous experience in metals manufacturing and/or knowledge of metallurgy.

• Experience with dimensional inspection, metrology systems, calibration programs, and CMM technology.

• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.

• American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification preferred.

• Ability and willingness to work in an active manufacturing environment, including exposure to seasonal temperature extremes.

Work Environment

This position combines office-based quality systems responsibilities with hands‑on involvement in manufacturing operations. The successful candidate must be comfortable working directly with production, engineering, inspection, and quality teams on the manufacturing floor.