Senior Quality Engineer: Lead Quality Systems & Audits

R.L. Barclay & Associates; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

R.L. Barclay & Associates is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to strengthen quality management systems in a metals manufacturing setting.

You will drive continuous improvement, lead structured problem solving, manage corrective actions, and ensure compliance with customer and industry standards. The role requires hands-on expertise with QMS, internal audits, supplier quality, and metrology, including CMM and 3D inspection tools.

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.

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.

Skills

Quality engineering

Auditing

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Metallurgy

CMM inspection

Six Sigma Black Belt

Leadership

Communication

ISO 9001/AS9100

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

CMM

Laser measurement

Romer

3D inspection software

Job description

R.L. Barclay & Associates is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to strengthen quality management systems in a metals manufacturing setting.

You will drive continuous improvement, lead structured problem solving, manage corrective actions, and ensure compliance with customer and industry standards. The role requires hands-on expertise with QMS, internal audits, supplier quality, and metrology, including CMM and 3D inspection tools.