Quality Engineering Lead

Location: Dayton, OH (small manufacturing facility)

Employment Type: Full-time, Onsite

Pay: $85,000 - $115,000 based on experience

Our client, a well‑established family‑owned manufacturing company with over 50 years in business, is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Quality Engineer / Quality Manager to lead and rebuild their quality function. This is a high‑impact, proactive role for someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and owning the entire quality system in a fast‑paced, lean environment.

This role combines day‑to‑day quality engineering tasks with broader system ownership, including audits, supplier development, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will not simply plug into an existing system—they will define it, implement improvements, and drive accountability across all levels.

• Develop, refine, and enhance the company’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100 as applicable).
• Lead internal audits, corrective actions, and document control.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, customer standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Own quality documentation, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.

• Lead root cause analysis (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone) and implement corrective actions.
• Support incoming, in‑process, and final inspections; develop inspection standards.
• Perform Gage R&R, capability studies, and validate measurement systems.
• Create and maintain control plans, quality alerts, and operator training materials.
• Drive scrap reduction, rework elimination, and process improvement projects.
• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for customers, managing complaints, returns, warranty evaluations, and PPAP/FAI submissions.
• Communicate containment actions, investigation findings, and long‑term corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to resolve material quality issues and improve performance.
• Conduct supplier assessments and support development initiatives as needed.

• Oversee the daily work of quality technicians.
• Set quality KPIs, gather appropriate data, and report results.
• Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
• Lead cross‑functional teams on improvement projects, cost reduction, and risk mitigation initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred (extensive hands‑on experience can substitute).
• 3–7+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools: 8D, 5‑Why, FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, APQP, etc.
• ISO 9001 and internal auditing experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and use measurement equipment.
• Excellent communication skills with customers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, resource‑lean environment.

• The quality function is currently underdeveloped and requires someone who can take full ownership.
• Management is supportive of improvements, providing an opportunity for real impact.
• The position is ideal for a self‑starter who enjoys solving new challenges daily and thrives in building and improving systems from the ground up.
• Competitive vacation and PTO plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Comprehensive medical plans covering the employee and family.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance.