VELOCITY SEARCH GROUP

Senior Quality Engineer

Spring Grove, IL · Full-time · Direct hire · Job ID 133511aa

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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.

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