Senior Quality Engineer

Location: Akron, Ohio

Salary: $90,000 – $120,000

Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring products, processes, and suppliers consistently meet customer expectations and industry standards.

The successful candidate will lead quality improvement projects, support new product launches, drive root cause investigations, and work closely with manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and customers to improve overall product quality and operational performance.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take ownership of quality systems while mentoring others and driving continuous improvement across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering activities for new product launches and existing manufacturing processes
• Develop and maintain quality documentation including control plans, inspection plans, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and procedures
• Drive root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and statistical analysis
• Monitor process capability, SPC data, defect trends, and manufacturing performance to identify improvement opportunities
• Lead PFMEA reviews, risk assessments, process validation, and production readiness activities
• Support APQP, PPAP, First Article Inspections, and process qualification activities
• Investigate customer complaints and internal quality concerns, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions
• Manage non-conforming material, scrap, rework, and deviation processes
• Develop supplier quality metrics, conduct supplier audits, and support supplier improvement initiatives
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma projects focused on reducing defects, improving yield, and lowering the cost of poor quality
• Oversee calibration and validation of inspection equipment including CMMs and precision measuring devices
• Prepare and present quality metrics, reports, and improvement plans to management and customers
• Support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits
• Mentor Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and production personnel on quality systems and best practices
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Supply Chain teams to improve product and process quality

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 6 years of Quality Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience in plastics, injection molding, automotive, or similar manufacturing industries preferred
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans, DOE, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Experience using CMM equipment and precision measuring instruments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience using statistical software such as Minitab preferred
• Knowledge of quality software, CAD systems, PC-DMIS, or PolyWorks is an advantage
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification is desirable

What We're Looking For

• A proactive leader with a passion for quality and continuous improvement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Someone who can influence cross-functional teams and drive lasting improvements
• A hands-on engineer who enjoys spending time on the manufacturing floor and solving real production challenges

Work Environment

This position combines office and manufacturing floor responsibilities, with regular interaction across production operations.

Occasional travel to customer and supplier locations may be required.

Flexibility to support overtime or weekend activities may be necessary to meet production and customer requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• $95,000 – $125,000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Stable manufacturing environment with long-term growth potential