Staff Engineer, Quality

Coherent • Newark, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Staff Engineer, Quality, focused on improving product quality, process capability, and manufacturing performance. The position involves significant time on the manufacturing floor investigating quality issues, observing processes, and identifying improvement opportunities. The engineer will develop and implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods, lead root cause investigations, conduct process capability studies, and develop risk mitigation strategies. Responsibilities also include developing sampling plans, supporting qualification activities for materials, evaluating powder characteristics, improving inspection methods, and working with suppliers to enhance material quality. The role requires supporting customer quality activities, analyzing quality data, and participating in new product introduction and process transfer activities. The engineer will also support and maintain the Quality Management System.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience applying SPC, Process Capability Analysis, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience leading root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions
• Experience working with manufacturing teams in a production environment
• Experience interacting with suppliers and managing supplier quality issues
• Strong understanding of quality engineering principles and methodologies
• Working knowledge of SPC, DOE, process capability analysis, sampling plans, and statistical methods
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to effectively interpret and analyze technical data
• Strong understanding of process control and risk management concepts
• Ability to challenge assumptions and influence decisions through data and technical reasoning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently and within cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience with quality management systems and ISO-based manufacturing environments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality data analysis tools
• Ability to build effective relationships with operators, supervisors, engineers, suppliers, and customers
• Ability to occasionally lift/push/pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able to sit, stand, bend, squat, and walk throughout the facility
• Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and laboratory instrumentation
• All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with powder materials, advanced ceramics, thermal processing, or advanced manufacturing technologies
• Experience with incoming material qualification and supplier development
• Experience with Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)
• Experience developing sampling plans and inspection strategies
• Experience supporting process transfers and manufacturing scale-up activities
• CQE certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Responsibilities

• Partner with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, and R&D teams to improve product quality, process capability, and manufacturing performance
• Spend significant time on the manufacturing floor investigating quality issues, observing processes, and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Develop and implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods and process monitoring strategies
• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions
• Conduct process capability studies and utilize statistical tools to improve process performance
• Develop and maintain Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEA), Control Plans, and risk mitigation strategies
• Develop statistically sound sampling plans for incoming materials, in-process inspections, and finished products
• Support qualification, inspection, and acceptance activities for Thermadite raw materials and powders
• Evaluate powder characteristics including TPD, particle geometry, morphology, and other critical material attributes
• Develop and improve inspection methods, measurement systems, and metrology techniques
• Support incoming material qualification and supplier approval activities
• Work directly with suppliers to improve material quality, resolve quality issues, and implement corrective actions
• Conduct supplier audits and supplier quality assessments as required
• Support customer quality activities including corrective actions, complaint investigations, and customer communications
• Analyze quality data and communicate trends, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership and cross-functional teams
• Participate in new product introduction, process transfer, and manufacturing scale-up activities
• Support and maintain the Quality Management System in accordance with applicable standards and procedures

Benefits

• Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

What This Job Offers

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