Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Job Description
Location: Near Inverness, IL
Compensation: 80-110k base (with bonus potential)
We are representing a long-standing client (25-year partnership) in the electrical manufacturing sector seeking a Quality Engineer with strong experience in ISO 9001–driven quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys owning quality processes end-to-end, driving compliance, and partnering cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and leadership to elevate organizational performance.
- Lead and support ISO 9001 compliance activities, including internal and external audits, surveillance audits, and recertification efforts.
- Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure alignment with regulatory and customer requirements.
- Develop, update, and standardize quality procedures, work instructions, and documentation.
- Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes, including root cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).
- Partner with manufacturing and engineering teams to resolve quality issues and implement sustainable improvements.
- Analyze quality metrics, trends, and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support supplier quality initiatives, including qualification, audits, and performance monitoring.
- Facilitate continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams on quality standards and best practices.
- Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure quality is embedded from design through production.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within manufacturing (electrical or industrial products preferred).
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and implementation.
- Experience leading or supporting audits (internal and external).
- Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, control plans, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, or similar) is a plus.
- Heavy growth opportunities — clear paths for advancement as the organization continues to expand.
- Employee-owned company — strong financial performance and shared success culture.
- Exceptional benefits package, including:
- Annual holiday shutdown
- Competitive healthcare coverage
- Retirement programs with company contribution
- Generous PTO structure
- Outstanding culture — collaborative environment with long employee tenure and leadership accessibility.
- Stable organization with decades of industry presence and continued investment in technology and people.
Meet Your Recruiter
Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter
Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.
Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.
As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.
One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.