Quality Engineer

Columbia Manufacturing Inc; Columbia (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan with company match

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Job summary

A dynamic manufacturing company in Columbia, CT, seeks a Quality Engineer responsible for ensuring aerospace components meet quality standards. This role involves managing compliance with AS9100 standards, conducting inspections, and collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve quality. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and 3–7 years of relevant experience. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and 401(k) options.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and NADCAP standards.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.
• Conduct root cause analysis and lead corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production to resolve issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Columbia Manufacturing, a Collective Manufacturing Group company, is a dynamic manufacturing company dedicated to delivering high-quality products to our clients. The company has strong growth potential and industry leading OEM’s as Customers. Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that aerospace components are manufactured in compliance with customer requirements, internal quality standards, and applicable regulatory and industry standards, including AS9100. This role partners closely with members of Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customers to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) in a safety- and compliance-critical aerospace environment.

LOCATION: Columbia, CT

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001, NADCAP, customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits; prepare documentation, respond to findings, and lead corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve quality procedures, work instructions, and quality records.

Manufacturing & Process Quality

• Support manufacturing operations by identifying quality risks and implementing effective controls.
• Review and approve manufacturing processes, routers, inspection plans, and control plans.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCCA), lead corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action

• Manage nonconforming material reports (NCMRs/MRB), including disposition and corrective action follow-up.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production to resolve quality issues in a timely manner.
• Analyze scrap, rework, and defect trends to drive reduction initiatives.
• Support supplier quality activities, including supplier corrective actions (SCARs), audits, and performance monitoring.
• Interface with customers regarding quality concerns, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support customer First Article Inspections (FAI) and source inspections.

First Article & Inspection Support

• Support AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) and ensure accurate and complete documentation.
• Support inspection methods, measurement systems, and gage selection.
• Assist with Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and inspection method validation.
• Use data-driven approaches to improve product quality, yield, and process capability.
• Participate in or lead Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement projects.
• Support implementation and monitoring of Key Quality Metrics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and NADCAP standards.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Problem solving and decision making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Integrity and accountability
• Customer service focus, with an unwavering commitment to safety, quality and delivery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, continuous exposure to manufacturing floor.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.
• Frequent reaching, bending, lifting, twisting, crouching, dexterity and use of fine motor skills.

Columbia Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We are a drug-free workplace and all applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and may be subject to our random drug testing program depending on where they are assigned to work.

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefit package that includes, among other benefits, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. We also offer several options for medical insurance, dental insurance, and 401(k) plan with a Company match.