Quality Engineer - Automotive Industry - Metals & Machining
Salary: Up to $95,000
Location: NE Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Quality Engineer with expertise in metal manufacturing and machining for the automotive industry. This role will focus on ensuring product quality, optimizing machining processes, and maintaining compliance with industry and customer requirements. The ideal candidate will be experienced in precision machining, metal stamping, or fabrication and capable of implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and reduce defects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes for machined metal components in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives to resolve quality issues.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to optimize machining, stamping, and metal fabrication processes for improved quality and efficiency.
- Lead Process Validation, First Article Inspections (FAI), and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new and existing automotive components.
- Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools to monitor and improve production performance.
- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and OEM-specific quality requirements.
- Conduct internal audits and support external audits from customers and regulatory bodies.
- Develop and maintain Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams to mitigate risk.
- Train operators and technicians on quality standards, defect identification, and process improvements.
- Maintain detailed quality documentation and reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), non-conformances, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in quality engineering within metal machining, stamping, or fabrication for automotive applications.
- Strong knowledge of CNC machining, metal forming, welding, and precision measurement techniques.
- Proficiency in quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), blueprint reading, and CMM programming.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or other relevant automotive quality standards.
- Proficiency in MS Office, Minitab, or other statistical analysis software.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Lean Manufacturing.
- Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Knowledge of ERP/MES systems for quality tracking and reporting.
