What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supplier Quality Engineer position at nLIGHT?
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Position Summary
The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring that external suppliers meet the organization’s standards for quality, capability, and performance. This position partners closely with internal engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to develop robust supplier relationships, drive continuous improvement, and support the successful introduction of new products.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Management
- Establishes and maintains quality expectations for suppliers, including specifications, inspection criteria, and performance metrics.
- Monitors supplier performance through data analysis, scorecards, and regular reviews (e.g. PPM, yield, defect trends)
- Leads root-cause analysis and corrective action activities to resolve supplier-related quality issues. (e.g. 8D, CAPA, SCAR, Physical Failure Analysis, DOE, etc)
Supplier Flow-Downs
- Translates engineering, regulatory, and contractual requirements into clear, actionable flow-downs for suppliers.
- Ensures suppliers understand and comply with all technical documentation, standards, and process requirements.
- Collaborates with internal teams to maintain accurate and complete supplier documentation packages.
Non-Conforming Material Management
- Oversees the identification, containment, and disposition of non-conforming supplier material.
- Facilitates Material Review Board (MRB) activities and ensures timely closure of non-conformance reports.
- Drives corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrence.
Supplier Technology & Capability Assessments
- Evaluates supplier manufacturing processes, technologies, and capacity to ensure alignment with current and future business needs.
- Identifies risks and opportunities within supplier operations and recommends improvement strategies.
- Supports supplier selection decisions through technical assessments and capability audits.
Supplier Auditing
- Plans, executes, and documents supplier audits focused on quality systems, process controls, and compliance.
- Tracks audit findings and verifies effective implementation of corrective actions.
- Maintains audit schedules and supports supplier development initiatives.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
- Collaborates with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and supplier readiness for new product designs.
- Leads supplier engagement during prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp-up.
- Validates supplier processes through PPAP, FAI, or equivalent qualification activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field and a minimum of 4 years experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong understanding of quality tools (e.g., FMEA, SPC, 8D, PPAP).
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.
Physical Requirements
The essential functions of this role require the ability to work in office and manufacturing environments, move throughout production and supplier facilities, use standard computer and office equipment, and occasionally lift or move items up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting salary level is based on qualifications:
- Supplier Quality Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000 annually
- Supplier Quality Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages, depending on level
- Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 10 paid Holidays
- Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
- Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
- E-Verify Participation Poster
- Right to Work Poster