Quality Engineer II

Quality Engineer Level II

Job Type: Direct

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL

Summary:

The Quality Engineer Level II ensures product and process compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards. This role works independently on routine tasks, supports audits, and contributes to cross-functional initiatives. The position requires solid technical knowledge of quality tools, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication with internal teams and customers.

Quality Engineers are fully accountable for performing their duties and responsibilities. Ownership includes taking initiative, making informed decisions within their scope, and proactively addressing challenges and taking action to resolve issues in a timely, effective manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Customer Quality Management

• Log and track customer complaints, lead cross-functional containment and root cause activities, and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Communicate quality status and performance trends to customers and internal teams.
• Coordinate customer visits and prepare reports on systemic issues and scorecard metrics; lead action plans to close gaps.

Process & Production Oversight

• Approve reworks and support manufacturing in processing NCMRs to improve processes.
• Perform Gemba walks; monitor MRB tables; approve reworks.
• Conduct process audits to ensure compliance.

Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and submit improvement ideas to reduce waste.
• Lead structured problem-solving (8D); implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Support Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC initiatives; participate in Kaizen events.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Support ISO 9001 audits to ensure QMS compliance and readiness for ISO 9001.

Supplier Quality

• Communicate issues with supplier ensuring the SQE is in the loop. Collaborating with the SQE.

New Product Introduction & APQP

• Track APQP/PPAP status for new product launches and ensure robust process validation.
• Ensure all assigned deliverables within the New Product Development (NPD) process are completed accurately, meet quality standards, and are delivered on schedule.

Field Quality & Rework

• Evaluate Field Modification Instructions (FMI) prepared by engineering and review/approve provided instructions for accuracy and compliance.

Quality Alerts & Deviations

• Manage quality alerts and concessions/deviations; approve internal deviations per company standards.

Documentation & Data Management

• Manage internal/external finished goods PPAP/FAI documentation.
• Utilize ERP/MES systems and digital QMS platforms for data management and traceability; support cross-functional data needs.

Performance Monitoring

• Monitor KPIs and customer scorecards; analyze trends and present quality metrics to leadership.
• Review personal key performance indicators (KPIs/Priority Deployment) and present quality metrics to leadership to support performance reviews.

Inventory Support

• Ensure quality inventory is accurate. Coordinate activities to ensure quality inventory is accurate (MRB,RMA).
• Support physical inventory and cycle count activities. Assist with inventory identification, audits, performing counts of owned inventory (RMA, MRB incoming) and participate in physical inventory activities to ensure accuracy as needed.
• Support inventory control through cycle counts and physical inventory activities. Identify and verify owned inventory (including RMA and MRB incoming) and support other requests as needed.

Educational Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, Quality or related field
• 5+ years of work experience in the Quality Field
• Customer Facing

Required Skills & Competencies

• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital QMS platforms.
• Solid understanding of PPAP, FMEA, SPC, CAPA; basic DOE and MSA.
• Proficient in Excel for data analysis; familiarity with ERP/MES systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and transit-specific standards.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively across teams.

Core Competencies

• Analytical & Problem Solving: Uses data-driven insights to solve complex technical challenges.
• Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong partnerships across quality, engineering, operations, and supply chain.
• Accountability & Drive: Demonstrates urgency and accountability in delivering measurable improvements.
• Customer Focus:
• Communication: Clearly conveys technical insights and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Task Management & Execution: Prioritizes effectively and ensures timely completion of commitments.

Compensation, Benefits, and Work Environment

• Competitive base salary aligned with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Professional development resources and leadership training programs.
• Opportunity to lead innovation within a global organization committed to quality and operational excellence.
• Collaborative, energized environment with team support and shared success.
• Domestic travel required

ESPO Corporation

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Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.