Principal Quality Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Quality Engineer
Pay: $57.50/hr - $62.50/hr DoE
Location: Middletown, CT
Zip Code: 06457
Start Date: ASAP
Type: Contract/Contract-to-hire
Hours: 1st shift 8:00am - 4:30pm
Keywords: #Quality Engineering #CTjobs

* U.S. Citizenship Required*

A Principal Quality Engineer job in Middletown, CT is currently available through Belcan. In this senior leadership position, you will champion quality excellence across supply chain and production processes, ensuring unwavering compliance with industry‑leading standards such as AS9100 and AS9102. As a key player in commitment to delivering mission‑critical aerospace components, you will drive the resolution of complex quality challenges, particularly in managing and resolving incomplete First Article Inspections (FAIs) while training a cross‑functional team to tackle large‑scale documentation discrepancies.

This role demands a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership acumen, and a proven track record of fostering collaboration with suppliers to mitigate risks and enhance product integrity. This role is a 6‑month contract position.

• Lead AS9100 Compliance Initiatives:
  Serve as the organization’s AS9100 subject matter expert, overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Expertise in AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAIs):
  Act as the primary authority on AS9102 standards, guiding the team through the full FAI lifecycle and resolving incomplete FAIs by reviewing inspection records and coordinating with suppliers.
• Supplier Coordination and
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Build and maintain strategic relationships with aerospace suppliers, execute quality audits, develop performance scorecards, and lead root‑cause analysis to improve FAI completion rates.
• Team Leadership and Organizational Direction:
  Assemble, mentor, and direct a cross‑functional team of 6‑8 quality engineers, inspectors, and analysts, fostering accountability and innovation.
• Process Optimization and Documentation Excellence:
  Design and deploy standardized workflows for FAI processing, leverage electronic data management systems to streamline record handling, and integrate quality gates into the product development lifecycle.
• Risk Assessment and Continuous Improvement:
  Perform advanced risk analyses, champion Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and prepare executive‑level reports on quality metrics and ROI.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field) or equivalent;
  Master’s degree preferred. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification required;
  Lead Auditor certification for AS9100 highly desirable.
• 15+ years in aerospace quality engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal role focused on AS9100/AS9102 compliance.
• Proven expertise in AS9102 FAI processes, including hands‑on experience resolving incomplete FAIs.
• Experience directing teams on complex documentation projects with demonstrated success in resolving enterprise‑level quality issues.
• In‑depth knowledge of AS9100D requirements and ability to lead gap analyses and implement QMS enhancements.
• Expert‑level proficiency in AS9102B/C forms and experience using FAI software for ballooning, traceability, and digital signatures.
• Skilled in contract review, SCAR processes, and negotiation tactics for obtaining critical FAI data under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional ability to organize and direct high‑performing teams, with experience in agile methodologies, conflict resolution, and motivational coaching.
• Strategic communicator with strong presentation skills and the ability to translate technical jargon into actionable insights.
• Analytical mindset with a data‑driven approach to problem‑solving; certified in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred) for process optimization.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to obtain security clearance required due to ITAR compliance.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the link provided. Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world’s most respected enterprises. For more information, please visit our website at

EOE/F/M/Disability/Veterans