Quality Engineering Manager

Title

Quality Engineering Manager


Department

Quality

Reports to

Director of Quality

SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!

RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including - Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Rochester area, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries.

Position Overview:

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.

Key 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.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 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.

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 some flexibility in hours as needed to support quality, manufacturing, and business needs.