Quality engineer jobs in Arlington Heights, IL - 936 jobs

Quality & Operations Manager Western Chicagoland Suburb (Headquarters) Northwest Indiana (Satellite Lab) Preferred Residence: Tinley Park, IL or similar central location between both sites. Reports To: President Start Date: Immediately Company Overview Founded in 1979, Kieh Corporation is a metallurgical testing firm headquartered in Elmhurst, Illinois, with a satellite laboratory and operations facility in Gary, Indiana. For 47 years, Kieh has been a trusted name by providing high-quality metallurgical testing, analysis, and consulting services to a broad range of industrial clients, including manufacturers, fabricators, and engineering firms.in testing and analysis. Operating from Elmhurst, IL, and Gary, IN, Kieh provides nationwide best-in-class testing services, including regional pick-up and shipping programs. Certified by A2LA and adhering to ASTM, the Company specializes in mechanical and chemical testing, failure analysis, micro-structural analysis, and consulting. Known for handling projects of unique complexity, Kieh offers expert witness testimony and custom engineering solutions to meet diverse testing needs. Kieh's commitment to accuracy and collaboration ensures comprehensive and trustworthy results for all clients. As part of our continued growth and commitment to operational excellence, Kieh Corporation is restructuring leadership responsibilities to create a unified role overseeing both Operations and Quality across both facilities. Position Summary The Quality & Operations Manager will have overall responsibility for the success, efficiency, and compliance of Kieh Corporation's laboratory operations and quality systems across both the Elmhurst, IL and Gary, IN locations. This role combines the responsibilities of the current Quality Manager and Operations Manager into a single leadership position to improve workflow, consistency, and service delivery while ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and industry best practices. This is a hands-on, multi-site leadership role requiring regular presence at both locations. Ideally, the selected candidate will reside in a central location between Elmhurst and Gary (e.g., Tinley Park, IL or nearby communities). Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership ( Integrated from Current Ops Manager Role ) Overall responsibility for the daily success, workflow, and performance of both locations. Ensure efficient throughput of samples from shop to lab to office, prioritizing work appropriately while considering customer needs, deadlines, and operational constraints. Coordinate scheduling, staffing, and workflow to maintain productivity and turnaround times across both locations. Develop and implement ordering and vendor management protocols that optimize pricing, vendor relationships, and purchasing efficiency. Create and maintain an inventory management system that improves predictability of ordering, cost control, and supply continuity. Ensure laboratory equipment and consumable inventory is properly procured, maintained, and aligned with workload demands. Develop and adhere to preventative maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment, shop tools, office equipment, and company vehicles. Support payroll preparation on a bi-weekly basis in collaboration with the President and Gary Lab Manager. Learn and utilize basic reporting and invoicing systems to support the Office Manager as needed. Provide cross-training where possible to create operational redundancy and continuity. Ensure safe working conditions and compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulations. Quality Management & Compliance Maintain and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS). Ensure compliance with applicable accreditation standards and industry requirements. Lead internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and customer quality inquiries. Develop, standardize, and maintain company-wide standard operating procedures (SOPs). Ensure consistency of testing methods, documentation, and reporting across both sites. Take primary responsibility for preparing for and overseeing the upcoming A2LA audit scheduled for this summer. LabLynx Implementation & Systems Leadership Spearhead the full company-wide rollout of the LabLynx Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in the first half of the year. Coordinate implementation, staff training, and process integration related to LabLynx. Align laboratory workflows with the new system to improve efficiency, traceability, and data integrity. Ensure consistency in data management, reporting, and documentation across both laboratories. Leadership & People Management Serve as a key liaison between laboratory staff, technicians, supervisors, and President. Demonstrate strong supervisory capability and leadership presence. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Manage high-stress situations effectively while maintaining professionalism and morale. Provide regular reporting to the President on operational performance, quality metrics, and key initiatives. Required Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related technical field (required). 7+ years of experience in a metallurgical lab, testing environment, or related industrial setting. Prior management of hourly and salaried employees required. Demonstrated experience in both operations management and quality management. Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 or similar quality standards. Experience managing workflows across multiple locations. Proficiency with LabLynx LIMS is required (experience with LabWorks or Labvantage also considered comparable). Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency in modern computer systems, business software, and digital reporting tools. Ability to handle increasing workloads and high-pressure environments effectively. Background in machine maintenance or mechanical troubleshooting a plus. Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, nationality, or permanent resident status to comply with applicable export and import laws and regulations. The ideal candidate must be: A very strong communicator - effective in both written and verbal communication. Charismatic, approachable, and team-oriented, able to build trust with employees at all levels. Comfortable interacting directly with clients in a professional, confident manner. Capable of motivating technical staff while maintaining high performance standards. Able to balance authority with collaboration and respect. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) Work Location: In person