Quality Engineer
Thomaston, CT, US
Engineering
Bachelors Degree
Full Time, Direct Hire
$120,000–$135,000
Manager (Manager/Supervisor)
On-site
Engineering Services
First Shift (Day)
Thomaston, CT, US
$120,000–$135,000
Manager (Manager/Supervisor)
Full Time, Direct Hire
Engineering Services
On-site
Engineering
Bachelors Degree
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Quality Engineer
Location: Thomaston, Connecticut
Schedule: Onsite, Monday–Friday
Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $120,000–$135,000+ DOE
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to join a manufacturing organization in Thomaston, CT. This is a direct-hire opportunity for a quality professional with a strong background in ISO 9001:2015 quality systems, internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing and/or defense industry environment.
This role will play a key part in maintaining and improving the company’s Quality Management System, supporting compliance initiatives, partnering cross-functionally with operations and engineering, and helping drive quality performance across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System (QMS)
- Maintain and continuously improve the company’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
- Manage quality documentation including the Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, and related records
- Ensure ongoing compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations
Audits & Compliance
- Lead the internal audit program and support audit planning, execution, and follow-up
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, certification bodies, and regulatory agencies
- Prepare for and participate in third-party audits, customer audits, and compliance inspections
Root Cause & Corrective Action
- Investigate customer complaints, internal nonconformances, and quality issues
- Utilize structured root cause analysis and problem-solving tools to identify failure points and drive resolution
- Partner with engineering, production, and leadership teams to implement and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Continuous Improvement
- Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and quality risks across manufacturing operations
- Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, process consistency, and operational performance
- Help foster a culture of quality, accountability, and proactive problem solving
Supplier Quality
- Monitor and evaluate supplier quality performance
- Conduct supplier audits and support supplier corrective action activities when needed
- Ensure incoming materials and components meet technical, quality, and specification requirements
Team Support / Leadership
- Provide guidance and oversight to a small team of quality inspectors
- Ensure adherence to inspection methods, quality standards, and documentation requirements
- Support training, mentoring, and development of quality personnel
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred
- 5–10+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and practical experience maintaining a compliant QMS
- Experience leading or supporting internal audits, external audits, and corrective action processes
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation
- Experience with supplier quality, nonconformance investigations, and quality system documentation
- Background supporting defense, military, or MIL-SPEC quality requirements strongly preferred
- Professional certifications such as ASQ CQE and/or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor are a plus
- Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary of $110,000–$125,000+ DOE
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Profit sharing and performance bonus program
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
- Life insurance and additional employee benefits
Why This Role
This is a strong opportunity for a hands-on Quality Engineer who enjoys owning quality systems, driving compliance, partnering with manufacturing teams, and making a visible impact in a regulated production environment.
10290292
I want more jobs like this in my inbox.
Why Kelly® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.