Senior Quality Engineer

Top Echelon Software, LLC.; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC. is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to support the Quality Management System in a metals manufacturing environment.

You will lead audits, drive corrective actions, and mentor internal auditors while collaborating with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to improve quality performance. You will apply 8D, root cause analysis, FMEA, Control Plans, and Lean methods to reduce defects, monitor metrics, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Metallurgy or related field.
• Minimum five years of quality engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Strong experience with QMS, internal auditing, supplier quality, and corrective action management.
• Significant experience leading structured problem-solving using 8D and root cause analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of FMEA and Control Plans.
• Six Sigma Black Belt with improvement project experience.
• Lead Auditor cert for ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 preferred.
• Experience developing quality procedures, conducting audits, and training personnel.

Responsibilities

• Support the QMS implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Lead internal and supplier quality audits; document nonconformances and ensure corrective actions.
• Serve as Lead Auditor; provide training to internal auditors.
• Facilitate CAR processes, including verification and sustainability audits.
• Lead cross-functional 8D and root cause analysis projects.
• Support supplier quality programs including supplier audits and inspections.
• Interface with customers and auditors on quality requirements and corrective actions.

Skills

Quality systems knowledge

Auditing expertise

Lean/Six Sigma

Education

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

Tools

CMM

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.