Contract Quality Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Location: Danbury, CT or Bethel, CT

Schedule: Monday-Friday | Full-Time

Compensation: $80,000-$90,000 + Benefits

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Position Overview

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to support and strengthen an AS9100-certified Quality Management System while ensuring products and manufacturing processes consistently meet aerospace, defense, customer, and regulatory requirements.

This position offers the opportunity to work on highly engineered products that support critical aerospace and defense applications worldwide. The Quality Engineer will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Suppliers, and Customers to drive continuous improvement initiatives, investigate quality concerns, support audit activities, and ensure compliance throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have experience in an AS9100-regulated manufacturing environment, strong root cause analysis capabilities, and a passion for improving quality systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management System (QMS) & Compliance
  • Support the maintenance and continuous improvement of the AS9100 Quality Management System.
  • Ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality procedures.
  • Participate in contract reviews to interpret engineering drawings, customer quality requirements, process specifications, and compliance obligations.
  • Develop, revise, and maintain quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and quality standards.
  • Support quality planning activities for new and existing programs.
• Audits & Quality Assurance
  • Plan, conduct, and support:
    • Internal audits
    • Process audits
    • Job-sequence audits
    • Customer audits
    • Source inspections
  • Serve as a technical quality representative during customer visits and external assessments.
  • Verify ongoing compliance of manufacturing processes and operations with AS9100 and customer requirements.
  • Assist with audit findings, corrective action implementation, and follow-up activities.
• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action
  • Lead investigations related to:
    • Customer complaints
    • Product nonconformances
    • Process failures
    • Quality escapes
  • Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Drive Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA/RCCA) activities to eliminate recurring issues and improve process performance.
  • Track and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions through closure.
• Product & Process Quality
  • Generate, review, and submit AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
  • Support product validation activities, including destructive and non-destructive testing.
  • Analyze quality metrics, process performance trends, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Support manufacturing operations by identifying quality risks and implementing preventive measures.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Program Management, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality-related issues.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to address quality concerns and improve incoming product performance.
  • Support new product introductions and process changes by ensuring quality requirements are properly defined and implemented.
  • Communicate quality expectations and recommendations effectively across all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Education - Bachelor's Degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Quality Engineering, Related Technical Discipline. Equivalent manufacturing and quality experience will be considered.
• Experience
  • Minimum of 1 year of Quality Engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Experience working within an AS9100-certified environment is required.
  • Background supporting manufacturing quality systems and production operations.
  • Experience leading or participating in root cause investigations and corrective action processes.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Working knowledge of: AS9100 standards, Quality Management Systems (QMS), Root Cause Analysis methodologies, CAPA / RCCA processes, Manufacturing quality processes
  • Ability to interpret: Engineering drawings, Technical specifications, Inspection requirements, Customer documentation
  • Experience analyzing quality data and performance metrics to drive improvements.
• Professional Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Technical writing and documentation experience.
  • Ability to effectively interact with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or Defense manufacturing experience.
• Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
• Supplier Quality experience.
• Internal auditing experience.
• Exposure to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods.
• Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Customer-facing quality engineering experience.

Why Join This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer experiencing significant business growth. You'll work alongside experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals, gain exposure to complex products and critical applications, and play a key role in ensuring the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

This is a Permanent position based out of Danbury, CT.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Competitive Compensation, Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonus Program, 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company 3% Safe Harbor Contribution, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Supplemental Financial Protection Insurance Plans, Company-Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holiday, Employee Referral Bonus Program & Professional Development Opportunities

This is a fully onsite position in Danbury,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.