Senior Software Quality Engineer Jobs in West Springfield, MA

Scope of Position

The Quality Engineer plays a critical role in driving product quality, manufacturing excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This position partners with cross-functional teams to improve product reliability, optimize manufacturing processes, reduce defects, and enhance customer satisfaction. The Quality Engineer serves as a key technical resource for quality assurance activities, root cause investigations, corrective actions, supplier quality management, and new product introduction efforts.

Reporting to the Site Quality Manager, this position supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems while fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Quality & Process Improvement

• Lead and support investigations of complex product quality and manufacturing process issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze product, process, and quality data to identify trends, opportunities, and corrective actions that drive performance improvements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality tools and methodologies, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, statistical analysis, and process capability studies.
• Recommend design, manufacturing, process, and supplier improvements to enhance product quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies.

New Product Introduction & Customer Focus

• Serve as the Voice of the Customer during new product development and launch activities.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), risk assessments, and launch readiness activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Management teams to ensure quality requirements are effectively integrated into new products and processes.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including process maps, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and quality standards.
• Serve as an internal quality systems expert and auditor for ISO 9001 and other applicable quality standards.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
• Lead or participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities and supplier quality improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and external suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve operational performance.
• Interface regularly with on-site and remote engineering and design teams to support product and process improvements.
• Support customer and end-user issue resolution, including occasional site visits when required.
• Provide project leadership and technical guidance for quality-related initiatives as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support supplier quality management activities, including audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action follow-up.
• Contribute to strategic quality objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related technical field required.

Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive Quality Engineering experience in manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience supporting production operations within a manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrated success leading quality improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Experience working with suppliers and managing supplier quality issues preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of quality systems, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with quality and problem-solving tools, including:
• APQP
• PPAP
• FMEA/PFMEA
• 8D Problem Solving
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Experience using precision measurement equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, scales, and related inspection tools.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and statistical analysis software.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal; bilingual capabilities are considered an asset.