Quality Engineer - Automotive Manufacturer | Joliet, IL

Quality Improvement Leader

Our client is a respected manufacturer serving the automotive and heavy-duty trucking markets, with strong, long-standing relationships across major OEM customers. Following several years of sustained growth, they are looking for a proven leader who can mentor teams, drive operational excellence, and support continued success. The company offers a people-first culture and a fast-paced, collaborative environment where employees can make a meaningful impact.

Job Description

• Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, defects, customer complaints, and overall quality costs.
• Investigate quality issues using structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
• Support customer quality requirements, respond to quality concerns, and coordinate containment activities when necessary.
• Create, maintain, and update quality documentation, including Control Plans, Work Instructions, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and PPAP documentation.
• Perform process capability studies and statistical analysis using tools such as Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk, control charts, and Pareto analysis.
• Verify compliance with quality standards, control plans, and operating procedures throughout production.
• Conduct product, process, and layered audits to ensure adherence to quality requirements.
• Support new product launches and process validations in accordance with customer and industry requirements.
• Participate in customer, internal, and third-party audits and support quality management system compliance.

The Successful Applicant

• 1+ year of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Experience with customer quality requirements, corrective actions, and quality improvement projects.
• Experience supporting APQP, PPAP, product validation, or new product launches preferred.
• Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, or similar quality management systems preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of quality tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and process capability analysis.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Sponsorship not provided

What's on Offer

• Base salary $80,000 - $95,000 depending on experience level
• Annual discretionary bonus
• 401k program with employer match
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 2 weeks PTO + company holidays
• Opportunities for tuition assistance

• Job Summary

  Sector Engineering & Manufacturing Sub Sector Quality, Technical Industry Industrial / Manufacturing Where Joliet Contract Type Permanent