Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer – Defense Manufacturing

Location: Sturbridge, Massachusetts (On‑Site)

Position Type: Full‑Time, Direct Hire

Advantage Technical is proud to partner with a rapidly growing defense technology manufacturer specializing in night vision and electro‑optical systems. We are seeking a hands‑on, systems‑focused Quality Engineer to lead the development and implementation of a full Quality Management System (QMS) for a U.S.

-based Night Vision (NV) manufacturing operation.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Quality Engineer who has participated in building or implementing a QMS and is ready to take full ownership of designing a compliant, efficient, and scalable quality framework from the ground up. The ideal candidate brings strong process knowledge, metrology and calibration experience, and the ability to balance big‑picture system design with day‑to‑day quality execution.

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for building, documenting, and deploying a comprehensive Quality Management System aligned with AS9100
, ISO 9001
, MIL‑STD
, and applicable U.S. defense contract requirements (
DFARS
, ITAR
). This role requires both leadership and hands‑on engagement in quality processes, including inspection, calibration, supplier quality, corrective action, and continuous improvement.

• Design, build, and implement the full Quality Management System (QMS) for Night Vision operations.
• Develop and standardize quality processes including inspection, calibration, material control, and documentation.
• Establish quality metrics, audit procedures, and document control systems to ensure traceability and compliance.

• Create Quality Plans, process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, and inspection/test criteria.
• Lead system readiness for internal, customer, and regulatory audits, including DoD and DCMA.
• Manage calibration programs and metrology activities, ensuring equipment accuracy and compliance.
• Qualify, manage, and monitor suppliers and subcontractors for adherence to defense, optical, and electronic standards.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Production, and Program Management to embed quality into product design and manufacturing processes.
• Lead root‑cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve yield.

• Ensure adherence to AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL‑STD, ITAR, DFARS, and other defense manufacturing standards.
• Maintain data integrity, documentation accuracy, and audit readiness across all programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) due to ITAR‑regulated product work.
• 7+ years of Quality Engineering or QMS development experience in a defense or aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience participating in the creation or deployment of a QMS (full system ownership is a major plus).
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, MIL‑STD requirements, and ITAR/DFARS compliance.
• Background in metrology, calibration, and precision inspection processes.
• Strong proficiency with SPC, FMEA, RCA, and related quality tools.
• Experience in electro‑optical, precision assembly, or high‑accuracy manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP/QMS platforms and quality software such as Minitab or SPC tools.

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar certification.
• Experience with night vision, infrared sensors, optical assemblies, or electro‑optical systems.
• Prior experience scaling and maturing a QMS to support DoD programs or complex manufacturing operations.

• Strategic systems thinker with strong hands‑on execution.
• Strong communicator who can influence and partner cross‑functionally.
• Detail‑oriented, analytical, and highly organized.
• Ability to balance compliance, manufacturing efficiency, and continuous improvement in a fast‑paced environment.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Advantage Technical by 2x.

Medical insurance;
Vision insurance; 401(k).