Quality Engineer

gpac; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking a senior quality engineer to drive quality initiatives from concept through production, ensuring robust designs and efficient processes. You will analyze data, lead cross-functional teams, and act as the primary technical liaison for quality concerns.

The role emphasizes structured problem solving, DFSS, and Lean Six Sigma in a regulated manufacturing environment, with hands-on experience in measurement and fixtures.

Qualifications

• BSME or related technical degree with strong analytical & design fundamentals.
• 7–10 years of industry experience, with 3–5 years QE in root cause analysis in regulated manufacturing.
• Experience in medical device components or similar regulated environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply QE initiatives from concept to production to ensure robust design and processes.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to maintain product quality and performance.
• Serve as technical liaison with customers to address quality concerns and manage complaint resolution.
• Lead continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, DFSS, and Shainin methods to reduce variation.
• Develop knowledge of precision measurement equipment (e.g., CMMs, vision systems) and train QC staff.
• Design fixtures and inspection tooling to streamline inspection and data collection.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Structured problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Quality control

Measurement

DFSS

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

B.S. in a related technical discipline

Tools

Minitab

SPC

SolidWorks

Excel

Job description

Apply quality engineering initiatives from concept through production to ensure robust design, efficient processes, and consistent product performance. Ensure product and process quality by applying structured problem-solving methodologies across departments, fostering cross-functional collaboration. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to minimize process variation, scrap, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through proactive analysis and lean principles. Utilize data-driven root cause analysis to implement effective corrective and preventive actions that enhance long-term product and process reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply quality engineering initiatives from concept through production to ensure robust design, efficient processes, and consistent product performance.
• Ensure product and process quality by applying structured problem-solving methodologies across departments, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as a key technical liaison with customers to address quality concerns, manage complaint resolution, and ensure timely, data-driven responses to issues affecting product performance or compliance.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, DFSS, and Shainin LLC Technical problem solving to reduce variation and enhance product and process capability.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of precision measurement equipment (e.g., CMMs, vision systems, etc.) to provide technical guidance, support troubleshooting, and train QC Inspectors in proper operation, programming and best practice.
• Direct, design and develop custom mechanical or electromechanical fixtures, gauges, and tools to streamline inspection processes and enable effective use by QC technicians and/or shop floor operators.

Required Qualifications

• BSME Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Bachelor of Science degree in physical science, engineering, or a closely related technical discipline that emphasizes analytical thinking, design principles, and structured problem solving.
• 7-10 years of industry experience with a minimum of 3-5 years of QE experience in structured root cause analysis and problem solving, ideally within the medical device components industry or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification, CQE, a plus.
• Experience with ISO 13485:2016 a plus.
• Proficient in statistical analysis tools and techniques; experience with Minitab, SPC methods.
• Ideal candidate demonstrates knowledge and is a practitioner of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies, Shainin LLC Technical Problem Solving or similar root cause analysis methods.
• Familiarity with injection molding processes is a plus.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, with demonstrated ability to design fixtures, inspection tooling, and quality-related mechanical components; strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of mechanisms is essential.
• Experience with other CAD platforms is acceptable with a willingness and ability to transition to SolidWorks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and visualization

If you have any questions please reach out to Shane Burch @ [phone] or [e-mail]

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.