Lead Quality Engineer
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories · West Lafayette, IN
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Quality
- Base pay
- $108k–$162k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 6+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A management quality role at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (industrial) in West Lafayette, IN. Lead, plan, design, and implement tests to monitor quality using engineering principles.
- They ask for
- 6+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, FMEA, ISO 9001
- Base pay
- $108k–$162k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Quality Engineer roles in Indiana: typical posted base $97k–$145k. This one lists $108k–$162k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 41 quality engineer openings in Indiana, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Indiana plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 40 other live quality postings in Indiana.
- Base pay
- About 11% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (6+ vs 7+)
Typical $97k–$145k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 71%
- SPC 51%
- ✓ FMEA 51%
- Control plans 49%
- New product launch 39%
- PPAP 39%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in West Lafayette
5 other open roles at this site.
- Manufacturing Supervisor · Manufacturing · Supervisor
- Sr. Manufacturing Supervisor · Manufacturing · Supervisor
- Test Engineering Technician I - First Shift · Manufacturing
- Test Engineering Technician I - Swing Shift · Manufacturing
- Quality Technician II · Quality · Technician
Full description from Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
As a Lead Quality Engineeer, a typical day in this role may include
- ◆Lead, plan, design, and implement tests to monitor quality using engineering principles.
- ◆Acquire and analyze data using standard quantitative methods to facilitate process analysis and improvements.
- ◆Lead stakeholders in understanding problems and investigating root cause; serve as a technical advisor.
- ◆Guide and mentor stakeholders to ensure the implementation of effective solutions to prevent recurrence.
- ◆Lead cross-functional meetings to address quality issues and brainstorm solutions.
- ◆Provide technical leadership for process improvement projects.
- ◆Model, teach and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
Required Qualifications
- ✓B.S. degree in Engineering, Math, Statistics, or other technical degree, or equivalent experience
- ✓Typically, 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, process improvement, or data analytics
- ✓Strong project management and problem-solving skills
- ✓Experience using metrology and statistical methods
- ✓Knowledge of quality tools and process improvement techniques (FMEA, Six Sigma, PDCA, Lean Manufacturing (WCM), Control Charts, Histograms, Pareto)
- ✓Knowledge of applicable industry standards with understanding of probability/reliability concepts
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or equivalent certification
- ✓Knowledge of ISO 9001
- ✓Knowledge of design, manufacturing, and service processes
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Join a team that powers the future of electric power systems. As a Lead Quality Engineer at SEL, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and excellence of innovative products that protect and automate critical infrastructure around the world. You will lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle, partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to drive continuous improvement, solve complex technical challenges, and deliver world-class solutions to customers.
In this leadership role, you will champion quality culture through data-driven decision making, risk management, root cause analysis, and process optimization. You will mentor engineers, influence cross-functional teams, and implement robust quality systems that enhance product performance and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire teams to achieve operational excellence.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at a mission-driven company known for innovation, integrity, and its commitment to creating a safer, more reliable electric grid. If you thrive on leading change, driving quality excellence, and developing high-performing teams, this role offers the chance to advance both your career and the future of power system technology.
Location
West Lafayette, IN – This position is located in West Lafayette, IN, a welcoming community that combines small-town charm with the energy of world-class university town. Home to Purdue University, the area is known for its innovation, strong schools, and vibrant community. Residents enjoy parks and outdoor recreation, local events, diverse dining options, and an affordable cost of living, all while being conveniently located within driving distance of Indianapolis and Chicago.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- •We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- •We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- •We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- •We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- •Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Pay Range Data: $107,600 - $161,500
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com .