Senior Quality Engineer – Metals Manufacturing & Audits Lead

Key People; Spring Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Key People in Illinois seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to support and strengthen quality systems in a metals manufacturing setting. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement, leading structured problem-solving, and ensuring compliance with customer and industry standards.

You will collaborate with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to raise quality performance. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with QMS, audits, corrective actions, and Lean/Six Sigma, with

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.
• 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

QMS

Internal audits

8D problem solving

Root cause analysis

FMEA

Control Plans

Six Sigma Black Belt

Lead Auditor

Lean manufacturing

Metallurgy

Dimensional inspection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Metallurgy or equivalent

Tools

CMM technology

Metrology equipment

Calibration programs

Job description

Key People in Illinois seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to support and strengthen quality systems in a metals manufacturing setting. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement, leading structured problem-solving, and ensuring compliance with customer and industry standards.

You will collaborate with operations, engineering, suppliers, and customers to raise quality performance. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with QMS, audits, corrective actions, and Lean/Six Sigma, with