Quality Engineer

Headwall Photonics Inc. • Marlborough, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer to work collaboratively with manufacturing in a high-mix optical component and assembly environment. The Quality Engineer will be actively involved in inspection, problem-solving, documentation review, and real-time support of manufacturing.
The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves-working with parts, drawings, travelers, and operators-while also owning root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement. This role requires judgment, flexibility, and curiosity, not just process enforcement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Optical, Manufacturing, or related) or equivalent practical experience
• 3+ years in a hands-on quality role within optics, photonics, or precision manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience working directly with manufacturing teams and physical product
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria
• Working knowledge of root cause and corrective action methods

Nice To Haves

• Experience in optical component manufacturing (coatings, alignment, precision assembly, metrology)
• Background in high-mix production environments
• Experience operating in a ISO 9001 or similar quality systems, applied pragmatically
• Comfort operating in environments where processes are evolving

Responsibilities

• Spend significant time on the manufacturing floor, supporting production and inspection activities
• Actively investigate quality issues at the source: handling parts, reviewing builds, and observing processes
• Own product quality for optical components and assemblies from incoming through final acceptance
• Ensure contract conformity by reviewing customer requirements, drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria
• Create, review, and improve hands-on quality documentation (inspection plans, travelers, checklists)
• Lead root cause analysis and implement practical, floor-level corrective actions
• Support and mentor QC technicians and operators on quality expectations and best practices
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain to improve yield and reduce rework
• Participate directly in audits and customer quality discussions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level