Supplier Quality Engineer

Hiring for a Supplier Quality Engineer in West Hartford, CT

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring that suppliers meet quality, delivery, and compliance expectations. This position involves driving supplier audits and performance improvements, leading root cause analysis, corrective actions, and overseeing First Article Inspection conformance. The role requires aligning measurement and inspection methods with standards in partnership with metrology and CMM programming.

Responsibilities

+ Conduct supplier capability assessments and audits to establish corrective actions and verify closure effectiveness.

+ Lead problem-solving initiatives with suppliers by analyzing defect trends and executing improvement plans tied to KPIs.

+ Review and approve supplier First Article Inspections and coordinate with source inspectors as needed.

+ Partner with procurement, engineering, and operations to align expectations, resolve issues, and standardize requirements.

+ Validate supplier measurement methods, inspection plans, and GD&T interpretation, collaborating with internal CMM programmers when necessary.

+ Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and quality records according to procedures.

Essential Skills

+ Two plus years of experience in supplier quality or quality engineering within discrete manufacturing.

+ Hands-on experience driving corrective and preventive actions at suppliers.

+ Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and familiarity with AS9100 or similar aerospace or defense standards.

+ Experience leading or reviewing First Article Inspections and working with source inspectors or customer representatives.

+ Proven problem-solving skills with measurable outcomes and the ability to analyze defect trends and implement improvements.

+ Ability to read engineering drawings with GD&T and verify supplier measurement methods.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ CQE or CQA through ASQ, Six Sigma, SPC and reliability testing exposure.

+ AS9102 FAI experience, supplier scorecards, APQP style readiness at suppliers.

+ Familiarity with PC-DMIS or MCOSMOS, or close partnering with CMM programmers to validate supplier measurement strategies.

+ Government contracts or defense-oriented manufacturing is beneficial.

+ Strong supplier communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

+ Proficiency with quality tools, SPC, and data reporting.

Work Environment

The work environment is onsite in West Hartford, CT, with potential travel to suppliers for audits and investigations. The role provides an opportunity to shape supplier quality standards and performance at a historic small arms manufacturer operating in regulated environments, impacting product quality and customer outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of West Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Colt's Manufacturing Company offers employees in West Hartford, CT, a benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) plans with company match, and paid vacation/holidays. Additional perks include potential for accumulated comp days, an employee discount program, and standard manufacturing shift work. Key Employee Benefits at Colt's Manufacturing (West Hartford, CT) Health & Insurance:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement: 401(k) investment savings plan with a company match. Time Off:
Paid vacation time and 13 paid company holidays (including one floating holiday). Additional Perks:
Employee discount program and opportunities for accumulated comp days (for salaried employees working over holidays). Employment Environment Role Type:
Includes roles such as CNC operators and production supervisors. Work-Life Balance:
Rated 3.7 out of 5, with some roles offering flexibility, though manufacturing roles are typically on-site. Culture:
The company culture and management are generally rated around 3.0 to 3.6 out of 5. For employees at Colt Technology Services, benefits may differ, including a "Flexible First" policy,, buy/sell leave options, and access to online learning platforms.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Hartford,CT.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic…