Quality Engineer

Position Overview:

As a Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of precision optical components and assemblies by providing technical quality support throughout the manufacturing process. This is a hands-on engineering role that combines technical problem-solving, product inspection, testing, and quality systems support. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other departments to support quality initiatives, investigate product nonconformance's, resolve quality issues, and establish inspection and testing methods that meet customer and internal requirements. You will also support the ongoing development and maintenance of our ISO 9001 quality management system, participate in audits, and help ensure our products and processes meet the specifications and standards required by our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical quality support to QC Inspection, Manufacturing, and Engineering, helping ensure precision optical components and assemblies meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Interpret optical and mechanical drawings, specifications, standards, and customer requirements to establish inspection criteria, support risk analysis, and guide quality-related decisions.
• Investigate product nonconformance's and quality issues, work with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Support the development and maintenance of the ISO 9001 quality management system, including leading and participating in internal audits, supporting external audits, and managing quality documentation and records.
• Develop and maintain inspection instructions, quality plans, test plans, and testing procedures, and coordinate environmental, durability, reliability, and other product testing as required.
• Evaluate and recommend inspection and test equipment, coordinate calibration activities, and assess the adequacy of measurement systems to ensure accurate and reliable inspection results.
• Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives, including FMEAs, Design of Experiments (DOEs), Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, and other activities focused on improving product quality and process consistency.
• Manage quality-related activities associated with new and existing programs, including First Article Inspection (FAI) submissions, supplier quality documentation, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and customer requirements.
• Manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), review and disposition customer returns and product nonconformance's, and work with Supply Chain to address supplier quality concerns and improve supplier performance.
• Train and support employees in inspection techniques, measurement equipment, testing procedures, and quality-related practices while identifying opportunities to strengthen quality, consistency, and efficiency across the organization.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Optics, Engineering Technology, or a related field required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, optical manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Experience with quality inspection equipment, measurement systems, and inspection techniques.
• Ability to interpret optical and mechanical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and quality assurance practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate nonconformance's and implement corrective actions.
• Familiarity with quality engineering tools such as FMEA, DOE, FAI, SPC, and Gage R&R.
• Experience with environmental and reliability testing is preferred.
• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, MIL-STD-810, MIL-PRF-13830, and ISO 10110 is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Minitab is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across departments.
• ASQ certification, such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), is preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up;
• Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge;
• Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail;
• Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude;
• Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members;
• Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills;
• A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive ‘get things done’ attitude;

Additional Requirements:

Pursuant to ITAR, EAR, and other export compliance laws and regulations, applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. law, i.e., U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance.
• 401(k) with company match and Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.
• Health, dental, vision, HSA, & life insurance.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and 11 paid company holidays

Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a controlled manufacturing environment requiring adherence to contamination control practices, including the use of protective garments such as frocks and hair coverings.
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and cleanroom garments.
• Position involves a combination of standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods, along with occasional stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Regular use of computers and standard assembly or inspection tools
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Disclaimer:

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.

EOE/AA/Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. This position follows a consistent first-shift schedule, with occasional flexibility in hours as needed to support business and operational needs

Title	Quality Engineer
Department	Quality
Reports to	Quality Manager