Quality Engineering Lead (Supervisor)

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense is seeking a Quality Engineer Lead in Simsbury, Connecticut. This role involves leading the Quality function and acting as the primary quality contact for customers. Responsibilities include developing Quality Engineers, establishing quality practices, and driving continuous improvement.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and experience in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment. Preferred qualifications include Six Sigma certification and experience in aerospace-related quality systems.

Qualifications

• Experience in Quality Engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors.
• Establish consistent quality best practices across the Value Stream.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects and variation.

Skills

Quality Engineering

Problem-solving

Continuous Improvement

Communication

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer Lead leads the Quality function within the assigned Value Stream and serves as the Quality representative for programs, customers, and internal operations. This role functions as both a technical Quality Engineer on select programs and as the leader of Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors; set goals, conduct performance reviews, and identify training needs; distribute workload to support business priorities.
• Establish consistent quality best practices across the Value Stream; represent Quality in ValueStream meetings and Gemba reviews.
• Support Value Stream and Operations leadership in achieving safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets through leading problem solving and corrective actions and tracking and analyzing quality performance, trends, and systemic issues.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects and variation.
• Represent the Value Stream in customer, regulatory, and internal quality audits; review and approve audit responses.
• Ensure compliance with quality system and customer requirements.
• Act as the primary Quality point of contact for customers and suppliers; participate in quality meetings and support supplier visits and audits related to Value Stream programs.
• Support programs from proposal through shipment; participate in proposal reviews for quality scope and labor; review product drawings and approve inspection plans; participate in design and risk reviews (e.g., PDRs, CDRs, FMEAs); identify potential defect opportunities and ensure product conformance.
• Act as Quality representative for change and review boards; assess impact of changes to production and in-process product.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in Quality Engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret customer specifications and develop quality plans.
• Knowledge of AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Experience with corrective and preventive action.
• Strong problem‑solving and continuous improvement skills.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience in aerospace or defense quality systems.
• Experience supporting new product development.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.