Quality Engineering Manager
About The Position
The Quality Engineering Manager provides leadership for the Quality Engineering team supporting the manufacture of precision optical components, assemblies, and systems. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management, coaching, mentoring, and development of Quality Engineers, and assisting the Director of Quality with the drive for quality improvements across fabrication, coating, assembly, inspection, and manufacturing operations. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Program Management, the Quality Engineering Manager works to improve process capability, reduce variation, resolve complex manufacturing issues, and ensure products consistently meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements. This individual serves as a technical leader who fosters continuous improvement through the deployment of a high-performing engineering team capable of supporting a demanding, precision manufacturing environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience leading or supervising Quality Engineers in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting precision optical fabrication, thin film coating, optical assembly, or other high-precision manufacturing processes desired.
- Strong understanding of precision optical manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and metrology desired.
- Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, optical specifications, and GD&T requirements.
- Experience applying Lean / 6 Sigma tools & methodologies that include Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Gage R&R techniques.
- Experience with project planning and organizational tools for goal and personnel deployment.
- Working knowledge of metrology equipment including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), vision systems, optical comparators, and other precision measurement systems desired.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as Minitab and manufacturing ERP/MES systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Quality Engineering team through regular feedback, technical guidance, and professional development.
- Oversee completion of workload governed by quality engineering project Gantt and Quality roadmap established by Director of Quality, and ensure appropriate engineering support across manufacturing operations.
- Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and development of Quality Engineers while guiding technical capability throughout the organization.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and proactive problem solving within the quality function and throughout the organization.
- Provide technical leadership supporting the manufacture of precision optical components and assemblies, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and internal quality standards.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to improve process capability, increase yields, and reduce scrap and rework throughout optical fabrication, thin film coating, molding, precision machining, and assembly operations.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of inspection strategies, control plans, and quality documentation supporting new and existing products.
- Ensure appropriate statistical methods and process controls are utilized to monitor manufacturing performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support new product introductions by developing quality plans, participating in design reviews, and ensuring manufacturing readiness.
- Lead complex root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and statistical analysis.
- Drive the use of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to ensure sustainable improvements and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
- Drive the use of, and assist with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to reduce process variation, improve throughput, and lower Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
- Monitor quality performance metrics including scrap, internal defects, customer returns, escapes, and corrective action effectiveness.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance.
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.
- Health, dental, vision, HSA, & life insurance.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and 11 paid company holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
