Quality Release Engineer

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

. Schedule, coordinate, and lead Release Kaizen Events .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeLaFox • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Quality Engineering with a focus on Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), process validation, and production readiness. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)Process ValidationQuality Management System (QMS) AuditsPFMEA and Control PlansSix Sigma Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Manufacturing Process ReleaseProduction Quality AssessmentRisk AssessmentMeasurement SystemsProcess CapabilityFirst-Piece InspectionsDocumentation ReviewSupplier Quality ManagementKaizen Events CoordinationQuality Documentation Review

Soft Skills

LeadershipProblem-SolvingCommunicationTeam CollaborationIndependent Decision-Making

Certifications & Qualifications

ASQ CQESix Sigma Certification

Industry Keywords

Quality EngineeringManufacturingProcess EngineeringNPI (New Product Introduction)Continuous ImprovementSafety ProceduresPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Schedule, coordinate, and lead Release Kaizen Events
Direct multidisciplinary teams in assessing production readiness, documentation, operator instructions, tooling, equipment, material flow, inspection methods, process controls, and undocumented workarounds
Independently review and approve new product and process releases
Verify Production can consistently build conforming product using released processes and documentation
Review PFMEAs, Control Plans, inspection sheets, and related quality documentation
Review drawings, specifications, BOMs, routings, work instructions, and other production documentation
Review and approve product, process, supplier, and documentation changes
Verify validation and qualification activities, including first-piece inspections, process capability, measurement and test requirements, and objective production-release evidence
Verify supply chain readiness, including supplier status, component qualification, outsourced processes, and incoming quality controls
Document and drive closure of Release Kaizen findings
Monitor post-release production performance and identify release-related gaps
Review Production and Supplier Quality trends and incorporate lessons learned into quality planning and future releases
Exercise independent Quality release authority, escalate unresolved risks, and withhold approval when requirements are unmet
Present open risks and incomplete Kaizen actions to management for documented conditional approval
Serve as a trained internal auditor and participate in QMS audits
Support customer, regulatory, and external audits
Participate in continuous improvement and cross-functional problem-solving
Support Quality procedures, training, and QMS improvement initiatives
Provide backup support to other Quality functions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
5+ years relevant experience in manufacturing, process or quality engineering
Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles, including PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability, measurement systems, risk assessment, and product/process qualification
Experience with NPI, manufacturing process release, or production quality is preferred
ASQ CQE, Six Sigma, or related quality certification is a plus
Must be authorized to work in the US
Must understand and follow applicable safety procedures and precautions
Must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options
Dental and vision coverage
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Life insurance
Voluntary life insurance
Short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Smoking cessation support
Weight management program
Pet insurance
LifeLock identity protection
401(k)-retirement plan
Generous vacation time
Sick/personal days
10 paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Incentive compensation