Quality Engineer / Project Lead

Quality Engineer / Project Lead (Customer-Facing) Location: Wallingford, CT Schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 7:00 AM -4:00 PM Reports To: Quality Manager (dotted line to Executive Leadership) Compensation 100,00 - 120,000 Annual Position Overview This hybrid role combines Quality Engineering leadership with project management ownership to ensure the successful launch and ongoing production of high-quality, compliant products.

The position serves as a key liaison between the organization and its customers, driving quality execution, managing project timelines, and ensuring alignment between customer requirements and internal manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate brings a strong quality engineering foundation, the ability to lead cross-functional projects, and the confidence to represent the organization in technical, customer-facing discussions.

Key Responsibilities Quality Engineering (Primary Focus)Lead quality planning and execution for new and existing products, with emphasis on regulated environments (ISO 13485 preferred) Develop and maintain quality documentation including: Control Plans PFMEA / Process Flow Diagrams Validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) Inspection plans and test methods Drive root cause investigations (NCRs, CAPAs, complaints) using structured problem-solving methodologies Perform and analyze: Gage R&R / MSA Capability studies Statistical analysis using tools such as Minitab/SPC Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal QMS requirements Support and participate in internal and external audits Partner with manufacturing to drive continuous improvement and defect reduction Project Leadership / Customer InterfaceAct as the primary point of contact for customers on quality and project-related matters Lead cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-spec product launches Translate customer technical and quality requirements into actionable internal plans Track and communicate project timelines, risks, and milestones to leadership Coordinate across: Manufacturing Engineering Sales Suppliers Provide clear, confident communication in customer meetings and technical discussions Support production ramp-up and resolve issues impacting delivery, cost, or quality Manufacturing & Process OversightEvaluate and improve manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness Collaborate with production teams to ensure process control and repeatability Support PPAP/FAI activities as required Drive lean and continuous improvement initiatives Qualifications Required5–7 years of experience in Quality Engineering within manufacturing Experience working in regulated environments (medical device preferred) Proven ability to interface directly with customers and represent quality function Hands-on experience with: Root cause analysis / CAPA Statistical tools (Minitab, SPC) Blueprint reading and GD&T Working knowledge of: ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) PPAP elements Ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams PreferredExperience working with large OEM customers in regulated industries ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, or CQT) Exposure to multiple quality systems (ISO, AS, IATF) Calibration and metrology experience Key Skills & TraitsStrong communication skills with ability to represent the organization externally Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving ability Comfortable in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment Self-driven with ability to work independently and cross-functionally Company Overview Top Prospect Group partners with leading organizations to deliver high-quality talent across engineering, manufacturing, and professional services.

Since 2010, we have built long-standing relationships by focusing on hard-to-fill roles and delivering results.

In 2023, we joined HW Staffing Solutions, expanding our capabilities nationwide.

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