This is an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Quality Engineer to join a stable and well-established organization serving the automotive industry. In this role, you will help lead the onsite quality team, driving best-in-class product quality and customer satisfaction for a portfolio of major OEM clients. Client Details Our client is a well-established manufacturer of precision-machined and cold-formed fastening components, supplying leading automotive OEMs around the world. As part of a highly respected parent organization, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from strong professional development and long-term career growth opportunities. Based at the company's primary distribution facility, the position involves limited travel to local production sites and customer locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area, as needed. Description Act as the primary quality liaison for key automotive OEMs and industrial customers, handling complaints, escalations, and resolution efforts. Ensure proper documentation is maintained and that all activities comply with quality, environmental, and safety standards. Coach and support quality technicians and production personnel in applying quality tools and problem-solving techniques. Collaborate with customers, suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams to address and resolve complex quality concerns. Evaluate quality data and trends to uncover opportunities for process optimization and preventive improvements. Lead initiatives focused on cost reduction, productivity gains, and quality improvements using tools like Six Sigma, SPC, and Lean principles. Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure strong product and process quality during new launches. Contribute to APQP processes for new product development, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow documentation. Present QMS performance, quality metrics, and improvement efforts during Management Reviews, offering recommendations for enhancement. Support and lead efforts related to IATF 16949 compliance, including internal and customer audits. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS). Oversee implementation of corrective actions and verify their effectiveness, coordinating across facilities when needed for systemic concerns. Conduct structured root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and statistical methods. Profile Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering-or comparable hands-on experience in a related field. At least five years of experience in quality engineering, ideally within automotive or high-volume production environments. Proven background in customer-facing quality roles, particularly handling complex or sensitive customer issues. Solid expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action techniques, including 8D and 5 Whys. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards and their practical application. Experience working with automotive customer portals and meeting OEM-specific requirements Strong communication, analytical thinking, and organizational abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic setting. Experience with precision machining Experience leading junior engineer, techs, and inspectors is strongly preferred Multi-site manufacturing experience is strongly preferred Job Offer Base salary $100,000 - $120,000 depending on experience level Hybrid work schedule - 3 days onsite, 2 days from home 3 weeks PTO + company holidays 401k program with 4% employer match Comprehensive health benefits thru BCBS Opportunities for leadership trainings & tuition assistance MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.
