Process Quality Engineer

Job Title: Process Quality EngineerJob Description

The Process Quality Engineer enhances customer satisfaction by managing customer complaints, improving defect detection, and supporting the correction and optimization of products and processes. This role supervises the development, implementation, and verification of products and processes to ensure they meet internal, customer, and third-party quality and regulatory requirements. The Process Quality Engineer works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to drive continuous improvement, ensure quality objectives are achieved, and actively contributes as a key member of an integrated product line team within an elastomeric material solutions business.

Responsibilities

• Improve manufacturing yield for existing products by conducting studies to stabilize, validate, and enhance product and process capabilities.
• Perform process capability studies to identify issues, recommend solutions, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze defective products and processes to determine root causes of defects and provide input on corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Implement solutions that increase yield and overall process robustness.
• Conduct internal and external audits on products and processes to ensure compliance with customer, internal, and regulatory specifications.
• Review and approve work instructions, inspection documents, change notifications, and quality alerts to maintain accurate and effective documentation.
• Manage customer complaints by leading root cause investigations using 8D or similar structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to drive improvement activities and ensure products and processes meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Lead corrective action and data reporting activities to ensure timely resolution of quality issues and prevent reoccurrence.
• Support Engineering in the qualification of new products, processes, and equipment through data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of IATF-based quality system standards and related quality system requirements.
• Provide product characteristic studies and generate Cp/Cpk reports on key product characteristics (KPCs) and critical characteristics (KcCCs).
• Use statistical tools such as SPC, DOE, ANOVA, and GR&R to evaluate process performance and measurement system capability.
• Identify process shortcomings through data analysis and provide clear, data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Participate as an active member of the quality team, collaborating with quality engineers, technicians, and other team members to meet quality and business objectives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and lean manufacturing activities.
• Support preparation and execution of PPAP and APQP activities as required by customers and internal processes.
• Assist with or participate in quality system audits aligned with recognized standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF-based quality system standards.
• Working knowledge of statistical software such as Minitab, Infinity, JMP, or equivalent tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
• Working knowledge of total quality tools such as brainstorming, flowcharting, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram analysis, and affinity diagrams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), ANOVA, f-test and t-test analyses, and gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R).
• Strong understanding of process capability studies and the ability to interpret and communicate Cp and Cpk results.
• Ability to identify process shortcomings through data analysis and develop practical recommendations for improvement.
• Ability to perform product characteristic studies and generate Cp/Cpk reports on key and critical characteristics.
• Experience in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Experience working in quality engineering, quality assurance, or quality control within a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with PPAP and APQP processes.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a cross-functional product line and quality team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Quality Engineer credential.
• Six Sigma training and experience, including application of lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and control plan generation.
• Experience or training background in delivering quality-related training to others.
• Experience in quality system auditing aligned with recognized standards.
• background in automotive or similarly regulated industries.
• Experience with IATF-based quality management systems.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

The role is part of a dedicated Quality team within an elastomeric material solutions business unit that provides high-performance engineered materials such as polyurethane foams, performance silicones, custom silicones, PTFE and UHMW films and tapes, thermal management materials, and impact mitigation materials. These materials are used in applications where high reliability and mission-critical performance are essential. The Process Quality Engineer works closely with a team that includes a quality manager, quality supervisor, quality engineers, a quality engineering assistant, and quality technicians. The environment is manufacturing-focused, with frequent interaction with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, suppliers, and customers. Work involves regular use of statistical software (such as Minitab, Infinity, or JMP) and Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, reporting, and documentation. The position operates in a structured quality system framework aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF-based standards, supporting activities such as audits, PPAP, APQP, and continuous improvement projects. Dress and conduct are consistent with a professional manufacturing and engineering setting, with time spent both in office areas for analysis and documentation and on the production floor for investigations, audits, and process evaluations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Glendale Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Glendale Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.