Staff Engineer, Quality

Job Description

Primary Duties & 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
  
  

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, you will:

• Establish robust quality controls for Thermadite materials and manufacturing processes
• Develop effective sampling plans and inspection strategies to support production scale-up
• Improve process capability and reduce quality-related disruptions
• Build productive relationships with manufacturing teams, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers
• Become a trusted technical resource for quality and process-related decisions
• Implement meaningful SPC and process monitoring systems that improve visibility and decision-making
• Lead successful root cause investigations resulting in measurable and sustainable improvements
• Develop a deep understanding of Thermadite materials, manufacturing processes, and quality drivers
  
  

Education & Experience

• 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
  
  

Preferred

• 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
  
  

Skills & Other Requirements

• 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
  
  

Working Conditions

This is an in-person position at our Newark, DE site

Office and manufacturing floor environment with regular interaction with production processes, inspection equipment, manufacturing personnel, suppliers, and customers.

Physical Requirements

• 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
  
  

Safety Requirements

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.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

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 talentacquisition@coherent.com .

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.