Quality Engineer

Gooch & Housego•Rochester, NY

3d•$94,000

About The Position

This is a hands-on Quality Engineering role supporting high-precision optical manufacturing. The Quality Engineer is responsible for verifying product conformance to customer specifications, developing inspection and test methods, and partnering closely with manufacturing teams to drive process improvement and root cause analysis. The role requires strong analytical skills, engineering aptitude, and the ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production environment.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Mechanical Engineering preferred)
3–5 years of experience in manufacturing and/or metrology
Experience in precision component manufacturing (optics or injection molding preferred)
Experience with quality tools (root cause analysis, SPC, Six Sigma, variation control)
Experience working in an ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 environment
Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
Experience with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
Hands-on experience with metrology equipment such as: CMM (Mitutoyo, Zeiss, OGP or similar) Interferometers (e.g., Zygo) Profilometers and optical test systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced skills preferred)
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Syspro or similar preferred)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
Continuous improvement mindset with strong attention to detail
Ability to translate data into actionable insights
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours)
Frequent use of hands and fine motor skills for inspection tasks
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally
Visual acuity including close vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
Manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment and machinery
Use of precision measurement tools and inspection systems

Nice To Haves

Internal or supplier auditing experience preferred

Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Inspection
Develop and implement inspection and test protocols to ensure product conformance
Perform dimensional and functional measurements using advanced metrology equipment
Validate test methods, fixturing, and measurement systems
Analyze inspection data and present findings to internal stakeholders
Create First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) and communicate results and recommendations
New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
Partner with Program Management and Engineering to support new product launches
Develop work instructions, inspection methods, and custom fixtures
Support inspection activities during new tool and process development
Analyze measurement data to identify trends, correlations, and improvement opportunities
Apply statistical methods to support decision-making and process validation
Production & Continuous Improvement
Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to support ongoing manufacturing
Troubleshoot quality issues and support disposition of nonconforming material
Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, including root cause and corrective actions
Drive continuous improvement in inspection methods, fixtures, and documentation
Apply knowledge gained from new products to improve existing processes
Quality Systems & Compliance
Support ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements
Perform internal audits and support external audits as needed
Manage calibration programs for inspection equipment
Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements
Technical Expertise & Training
Become a subject matter expert in inspection and metrology equipment
Program and operate measurement systems (e.g., CMMs, interferometers, profilometers)
Train technicians and operators on proper equipment use and best practices