Quality Engineering Lead

Posted:
5/20/2026, 11:55:33 PM

Location(s):
Simsbury, Connecticut, United States ⋅ Connecticut, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description

The Quality Engineer Lead oversees 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. The QEL is accountable for Value Stream quality performance, systemic issue resolution, and development of Quality talent.


Key Responsibilities:


Leadership and Team Development

Leads and develops Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors
Sets goals, conducts performance reviews, and identifies training needs
Distributes workload to support business priorities
Establishes consistent quality best practices across the Value Stream
Represents Quality in Valuestream meetings & Gemba reviews
 

Business and Quality Performance

Supports Value Stream and Operations leadership in achieving safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets through leading problem solving and corrective actions.
Tracks and analyzes quality performance, trends, and systemic issues
Inclusive of verifying effectiveness of corrective actions.
Drives continuous improvement to reduce defects and variation
 

Audit and Compliance

Represents the Value Stream in customer, regulatory, and internal quality audits
Reviews and approves audit responses
Ensures compliance with quality system and customer requirements
 

Customer and Supplier Interface

Serves as the primary Quality point of contact for customers within the Value Stream
Interfaces with customer quality representatives and participates in quality meetings
Supports supplier visits and audits related to Value Stream programs
 

Program and Engineering Support

Supports programs from proposal through shipment
Participates in proposal reviews for quality scope and labor
Reviews product drawings and approves inspection plans
Participates in design and risk reviews (e.g., PDRs, CDRs, FMEAs)
Identifies potential defect opportunities and ensures product conformance
Defines how product conformance will be verified
 

Configuration and Change Control

Acts as Quality representative for change and review boards as assigned
Assesses impact of changes to production and in-process product
 

Requirements:


Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
Experience in Quality Engineering in a manufacturing environment
Aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience preferred
 

Knowledge and Skills

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

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.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense

Website: https://ebad.com/

Headquarter Location: Simsbury, Connecticut, United States

Employee Count: 251-500

Year Founded: 1836

IPO Status: Private

Industries: Aerospace ⋅ Energy ⋅ Industrial ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Space Travel