Contract Process Engineer Jobs in Gales Ferry, CT

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring compliance to Level 1 / SUBSAFE and other NAVSEA contractual requirements, supporting the manufacture of safety-critical hardware through strict adherence to documented processes and procedures. This role is accountable for contract review, objective quality evidence, data package development, and source inspection coordination, ensuring all products meet requirements for material traceability, configuration control, and certification integrity. The Quality Engineer serves as a key interface between internal operations, suppliers, and government representatives, maintaining compliance with approved procedures, specification requirements, and NAVSEA quality assurance provisions throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform Contract Review sign-off, including evaluation of customer requirements such as VIRs, test procedures, submittals, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct RFQ (pre-contract) and Purchase Order (PO) reviews to ensure quality requirements are captured and understood.
• Review receiving documentation for completeness and compliance to contract requirements.
• Support Source Inspection at Gemba, including prioritization and visibility of activities.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Incoming Inspection Instructions to ensure accuracy and alignment with requirements.
• Support Receiving Inspection personnel to ensure consistent execution of inspection processes.
• Review inspection records, COCs, and supporting documentation; ensure proper record retention (scan and file).
• Prepare, revise, and maintain Acceptance Test Procedures and Qualification Test Procedures to ensure accuracy and alignment with requirements and submit for approval when required.
• Prepare, review, and revise test reports for WIP and final product.
• Review completed test reports and submit for approval when required.
• Generate and submit data packages, ensuring required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Coordinate and submit Source Inspection requests as required by contract.
• Prepare Certificates of Conformance (CoC) and shipping documentation in accordance with Contract Review and the Purchase Order.
• Support MRB, including Nonconformance Report processing, completion, scanning, and filing.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding missing certifications and vendor-related issues.
• Review and process Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure continued compliance of product and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful canddiate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluated AI-generated outputs.
• Maintain accurate quality records and support overall quality system compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing or quality engineering role.

• Experience in high-reliability, regulated, or defense-related environments preferred.

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, including process control, documentation, and record retention.
• Familiarity with contract review processes and requirement flow-down.
• Understanding of controlled documentation and revision control practices.
• Awareness of audit processes (internal, customer, regulatory)

• Demonstrated understanding of:

1. Material and certification traceability requirements
2. Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) generation and verification
3. Data package preparation and completeness validation
4. Configuration control and revision integrity

• Familiarity with NAVSEA contract requirements and Level 1 program expectations
• Ability to support or coordinate Government Source Inspection (GSI) activities

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements (including basic GD&T).

• Experience with:

1. Incoming inspection processes and documentation review
2. Verification of supplier certifications (CoCs, material certs)
3. Development and/or use of inspection instructions or checklists

• Ability to communicate effectively regarding quality requirements such as nonconformances and contractual expectations.

• Strong attention to detail with emphasis on record accuracy and completeness, traceability documentation, and controlled data storage and retention.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Document control systems/QMS tools

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of accountability for compliance and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently within a controlled, procedure-driven environment.
• Clear, concise technical communication (written and verbal).