Quality Engineer – Gear Manufacturing Commodity SME

SQA Services, Inc.

. Lead the on-site assessment as the gear manufacturing commodity subject matter expert, including the opening meeting, daily out-briefs, and closing meeting with the supplier and client.

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeCicero • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $65 - $75 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in precision gear manufacturing processes, including quality management systems and supplier assessments. Proficient in technical writing and capable of producing detailed reports while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Precision Gear ManufacturingQuality Management Systems (QMS)Supplier Audits and AssessmentsPFMEA and Control PlansTechnical Writing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Gear Cutting ProcessesGear Heat TreatmentAGMA Gear Quality StandardsPPAP/APQP ExecutionGD&T Interpretation

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Engineering DrawingsGear Data Tables

Certifications & Qualifications

Lead Auditor Training for ISO 9001Lead Auditor Training for AS9100

Industry Keywords

Worm Gear ManufacturingContinuous ImprovementNonconformance HandlingInspection and TestITAR Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the on-site assessment as the gear manufacturing commodity subject matter expert, including the opening meeting, daily out-briefs, and closing meeting with the supplier and client.
Facilitate the Requirements Consumption Review with the supplier’s cross-functional team and client, covering contract review, product definition, build plan, inspection and test, CAPA, general workmanship, and tooling/property management.
Walk the gear manufacturing process flow step by step, from blank preparation through shipment, identifying failure mechanisms and evaluating prevention and detection controls.
Evaluate controls specific to multi-start worm gearing, including lead, pitch and index accuracy, tooling condition, heat-treat distortion, case depth and hardness, grind burn, contact pattern, backlash, and center distance.
Evaluate QMS effectiveness, including MRB, nonconformance handling, corrective action, traceability, sub-tier special-process flow-down, and continuous improvement.
Assess supplier readiness to execute compliant PPAP, including APQP planning, process flow, PFMEA, control plan, capability studies, and submission process.
Evaluate special-tooling readiness, capacity, and schedule feasibility against quoted lead time and identify on-time-delivery risks.
Consolidate findings with the Technical Lead into a risk-rated gap register and recommend actions for the client and supplier.
Author the Supplier Readiness Assessment Report for technical review and support the client readout.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and at least 10 years of directly related experience.
Minimum 7 years of hands-on quality or manufacturing engineering experience in precision gear manufacturing, including worm gear or worm-thread production.
Demonstrated working knowledge of gear cutting and finishing processes, including hobbing, worm milling or thread grinding, and gear grinding.
Working knowledge of gear heat treatment, including carburizing, induction hardening, or nitriding.
Working knowledge of AGMA gear quality standards and gear inspection methods and results, including lead, profile, pitch, runout, single-/double-flank testing, and contact pattern.
Hands-on experience developing or reviewing PFMEAs and control plans, and executing or reviewing PPAP/APQP per AIAG requirements.
Prior experience leading supplier audits or assessments, with lead auditor training or certification to ISO 9001 or AS9100.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, gear data tables, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
Strong technical writing skills and ability to produce clear, evidence-based reports on deadline.
Ability to travel to and work on site at the supplier facility for the full two-day assessment, including shop-floor access with required PPE.
Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) due to ITAR requirements.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal Opportunity Employer
Contract: Full-Time