Senior Quality Engineer Lead

ITW•Waterbury, CT

2d•$104,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Job Summary The Senior Quality Engineer Lead is responsible for ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction by leading quality performance across the entire product value stream, from supplier through end customer. This role serves as the primary customer interface for all product‑related quality topics, proactively addressing concerns, driving root‑cause resolution, and ensuring customer requirements are clearly understood and met. The Senior Quality Engineer Lead partners cross‑functionally to implement robust quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product reliability, operational performance, and customer confidence.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
Demonstrated leadership experience, including serving as a lead over a small team or 3-5 years of direct supervisory experience within a manufacturing or quality function.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, related discipline required or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated proficiency with AIAG Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEA, PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC).
Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and automotive industry standards
Excellent problem solving and analysis skills.
Skills Leadership, team management capabilities, and ability to influence teams effectively.
Strong GD&T blueprint reading skills required.
Demonstrated proficiency in quality management software and MS Office Suite
Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
Ability to provide technical guidance and oversight to others.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Adaptability to changing priorities and environments.
Effective time management and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Quality Engineer certification preferred.
ASQ certifications are strongly preferred.
IMDS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead quality related APQP activities, including control plan, inspection methods, meeting AIAG and customer specific requirements, Supplier APQP, PPAP development and submission. Supports the divisional APQP process and requirements.
Customer and supplier management, manage product value stream from product launch through serial product. QE is the liaison for customer quality responsibilities, complaints, concerns, customer visits, and audits. Support purchasing in supplier development and lead supplier improvement efforts.
Lead and execute project-based initiatives aimed at improving quality performance and reducing scrap or defects.
Maintain and update quality documentation—including procedures, PFMEAs, and control plans to reflect current processes and best practices.
Champion quality improvement initiatives and drive cross-functional engagement using effective problem-solving tools and disciplines.
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Suppliers and Management in root cause analysis for nonconformances (internal and external), implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions. Verify corrective and read across actions for effectiveness.
Train and mentor junior quality engineers and technicians.
Perform internal and supplier audits to ensure compliance and drive improvement activities. Support and participate in quality, supplier, and customer audits, IATF 16949 requirements and corrective action follow-up.
Evaluate assembly operations and collaborate with production employees to strengthen relationships, gather insights, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Provide clear, concise reporting on quality performance, customer and supplier concerns, and project status.
Comply with all ITW policies, safety standards, and housekeeping practices.
Primary point of contact for the plant, responsible for consolidating and disseminating Lessons Learned and best practices to ensure cross-functional alignment and continuous improvement across all worldwide manufacturing sites.
Perform other duties as assigned.