Senior Quality Engineer - Metals Manufacturing & Audit Lead

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to support quality management systems in a metals manufacturing environment. The role drives continuous improvement, leads structured problem-solving, and manages corrective actions to meet customer and industry quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong manufacturing quality background with extensive auditing experience, and the ability to collaborate with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to improve quality

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 ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 experience.
• 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.

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.
• Coordinate Corrective Action Requests (CARs), including verification, effectiveness measurement, and sustainability audits.
• 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 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 systems

Auditing

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional teamwork

Manufacturing quality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)

Laser measurement

3D inspection software

Job description

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to support quality management systems in a metals manufacturing environment. The role drives continuous improvement, leads structured problem-solving, and manages corrective actions to meet customer and industry quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong manufacturing quality background with extensive auditing experience, and the ability to collaborate with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to improve quality