Quality Engineer - CNC Manufacturing

Top Echelon Software, LLC; Colchester (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC is seeking a Quality Engineer for a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment. You will support quality across the shop floor from incoming inspection to final part approval, collaborating with machinists, programmers, and production leadership to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.

The role requires hands-on measurement experience, knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, and the ability to lead continuous improvement across a large production setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in a machine shop or precision manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint reading, and quality standards (AS9100/ISO 9001).
• Hands-on experience with CMM programming/operation and other precision measurement tools.
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQT, or similar) a plus; experience with SPC or Minitab a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control plans and inspection procedures.
• Lead CAPA investigations for nonconformances.
• Review drawings and GD&T to establish inspection criteria.
• Operate or oversee precision measuring equipment (CMM, micrometers, calipers).
• Lead or support SPC programs and analyze process capability data.
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits (AS9100/ISO 9001).
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supplier quality to resolve issues and reduce scrap.
• Train shop floor personnel on quality standards and documentation.
• Maintain calibration programs for gauges and measurement equipment.
• Participate in APQP for new product/process introductions.

Skills

GD&T knowledge

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional communication

AS9100/ISO knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field

Tools

CMM programming/operation

SPC software / Minitab

Job description

Quality Engineer

Company Description:

Our client is a large, established machine shop specializing in precision manufacturing and fabrication for aerospace, automotive, medical device industries. They are currently seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to strengthen their quality systems and support production across a high-volume, multi-process manufacturing environment.

Position Overview:

As a Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving product quality across the shop floor — from incoming inspection through final part approval. You will work closely with machinists, programmers, and production leadership to identify root causes of nonconformances, drive corrective actions, and ensure compliance with customer and industry quality standards (such as AS9100/ISO 9001). This role requires strong hands‑on measurement experience combined with the analytical skills to lead continuous improvement efforts across a large, complex production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control plans, inspection procedures, and PPAP/FAI documentation
• Perform root cause analysis and lead corrective/preventive action (CAPA) investigations for internal and customer‑reported nonconformances
• Review engineering drawings and GD&T specifications to establish inspection criteria and acceptance standards
• Operate and/or oversee use of precision measurement equipment (CMM, optical comparators, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, etc.)
• Lead or support SPC (Statistical Process Control) programs and analyze process capability (Cpk/Ppk) data
• Conduct internal audits and support external customer/registrar audits (AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar)
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supplier quality teams to resolve quality issues and reduce scrap/rework
• Train shop floor personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and documentation requirements
• Maintain calibration programs for gauges and measurement equipment
• Participate in new product/process introduction (APQP) to ensure quality requirements are built in from the start

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent hands‑on experience)
• 5 + years of quality engineering experience in a machine shop, precision manufacturing, or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint reading, and quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, or industry-specific equivalents)
• Hands‑on experience with CMM programming/operation and other precision measurement tools
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQT, or similar) a plus
• Proficiency with SPC software and/or Minitab a plus
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with production, engineering, and customers

Hours/Shifts:

1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k) with match, PTO, etc.