Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Location:

Thomaston, Connecticut

Schedule:

Onsite, Monday–Friday Type:
Direct Hire Salary: $120,000–$135,000+ DOE Work Authorization:
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to join a manufacturing organization in Thomaston, CT. This is a direct-hire opportunity for a quality professional with a strong background in ISO 9001:2015 quality systems, internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing and/or defense industry environment. This role will play a key part in maintaining and improving the company's Quality Management System, supporting compliance initiatives, partnering cross-functionally with operations and engineering, and helping drive quality performance across the business.

• Quality Management System (QMS)
• Maintain and continuously improve the company's ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• Manage quality documentation including the Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, and related records
• Ensure ongoing compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations

• Audits & Compliance
• Lead the internal audit program and support audit planning, execution, and follow-up
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, certification bodies, and regulatory agencies
• Prepare for and participate in third-party audits, customer audits, and compliance inspections

• Root Cause & Corrective Action
• Investigate customer complaints, internal nonconformances, and quality issues
• Utilize structured root cause analysis and problem-solving tools to identify failure points and drive resolution
• Partner with engineering, production, and leadership teams to implement and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

• Continuous Improvement
• Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and quality risks across manufacturing operations
• Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, process consistency, and operational performance
• Help foster a culture of quality, accountability, and proactive problem solving

• Supplier Quality
• Monitor and evaluate supplier quality performance
• Conduct supplier audits and support supplier corrective action activities when needed
• Ensure incoming materials and components meet technical, quality, and specification requirements

• Team Support / Leadership
• Provide guidance and oversight to a small team of quality inspectors
• Ensure adherence to inspection methods, quality standards, and documentation requirements
• Support training, mentoring, and development of quality personnel

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred
• 5–10+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and practical experience maintaining a compliant QMS
• Experience leading or supporting internal audits, external audits, and corrective action processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation
• Experience with supplier quality, nonconformance investigations, and quality system documentation
• Background supporting defense, military, or MIL-SPEC quality requirements strongly preferred
• Professional certifications such as ASQ CQE and/or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor are a plus
• Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Competitive base salary of $110,000–$125,000+ DOE
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Profit sharing and performance bonus program
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Life insurance and additional employee benefits

Why This Role:
This is a strong opportunity for a hands-on Quality Engineer who enjoys owning quality systems, driving compliance, partnering with manufacturing teams, and making a visible impact in a regulated production environment.