Senior Quality Engineer

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

Job summary

Food Management Search, Inc. partners with a metals manufacturer to recruit a Senior Quality Engineer who will support the Quality Management System, drive continuous improvement, and lead corrective-action initiatives on the shop floor.

The role requires extensive experience with internal and supplier audits, 8D and root-cause analysis, plus hands-on collaboration with operations, engineering, and customers to ensure compliance with ISO 9001/AS9100 and elevate quality performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Minimum five years in quality engineering within manufacturing.
• Strong background in QMS, auditing, supplier quality, and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead internal and supplier quality audits; document findings and close corrective actions.
• Serve as Lead Auditor; train and mentor internal auditors.
• Facilitate Corrective Action Requests and monitor effectiveness.
• Lead 8D, root-cause analysis and other problem‑solving methods.
• Support supplier quality programs including audits and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Interface with customers and third-party auditors on quality requirements.
• Interpret drawings and specs; train manufacturing and inspection staff.
• Coordinate customer audits and external quality system audits.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures and deviations.
• Lead dimensional inspection and metrology programs; improve measurement techniques.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Promote safety, quality accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Quality management

Auditing

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Metallurgy

Tools

CMM technology

Metrology systems

Calibration records

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.