Quality Engineer

Job Description POSITION SUMMARYThe Quality Engineer will own the full quality management system — from incoming materials and in-process inspection to final release and customer corrective actions. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this individual will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory and customer compliance, and lead a team of quality technicians and inspectors. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESOwn and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) including audits, documentation, and certifications (IATF 16949, ISO 9001 preferred)Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for internal and customer-reported quality issuesManage customer portals, PPAPs, Control Plans, FMEAs, and MSA requirementsPartner with production, engineering, and maintenance to drive defect reduction and process improvement initiativesLead and coach a quality team — inspectors, technicians, and lab personnel — through hands-on leadershipEstablish and monitor KPIs: scrap rate, first-pass yield, customer PPM, internal audit findingsInterface directly with customers and suppliers on quality concerns, audits, and qualification activitiesSupport new product launches and process validation activitiesChampion a zero-defect mindset across the plant floor REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS3+ years of quality engineer experience in a manufacturing environment — metal finishing, plating, stamping, or related industry strongly preferredProven experience in IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 quality systemsHands-on knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPCStrong corrective action and problem-solving skills (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)Experience leading and developing quality personnel at the floor levelProficient in quality data analysis, reporting, and ERP/QMS systemsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred; equivalent experience consideredCQE, CQM, or similar ASQ certification a plus WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APARTStable, established client with long-term contracts and customer relationshipsDirect line to plant leadership — your voice will be heard and your decisions supportedOpportunity to build and formalize quality systems with real authority and resourcesVSG client known for promoting operational leaders from within COMPENSATION & DETAILSLocation: Rockford, Illinois (on-site)Employment Type: Direct Hire / Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive base salary + benefits package (details shared with qualified candidates)Travel: Minimal Company DescriptionOPPORTUNITY OVERVIEWVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.Company DescriptionOPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW\r\nVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.\r\nDue to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.