Principal Quality Engineer-Optical Systems

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams including optical design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, process engineering, and suppliers to ensure quality is built into product and process development.

• Lead structured root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, and 5-Why to resolve internal and customer-facing quality issues.

• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure and verify effectiveness through data-based validation and follow-up.

• Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and process documentation for optical systems and assemblies.

• Implement and monitor yield metrics, and other quality indicators to reduce variation and improve product performance.

• Conduct and support internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other applicable quality management standards.

• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate process capability, manage nonconformances, and improve overall supply chain quality performance.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities, ensuring process readiness, risk mitigation, and manufacturing scalability.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles within a technical manufacturing environment.

• Prepare and present quality performance reports, audit findings, and improvement plans to leadership and key stakeholders.

Education & Experience

M.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in quality engineering focused on optical systems, photonics devices, or optoelectronic assemblies.

• Demonstrated experience supporting products through NPI and high-volume technical manufacturing environments.

• Experience working in fast-paced or startup environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong technical understanding of optical systems including lasers, transceivers, photonic components, packaging, and opto-mechanical assemblies.

• Exceptional root cause investigation and failure analysis capabilities in complex technical manufacturing environments.

• Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits within ISO-based quality management systems.

• Proven track record in process improvement, yield enhancement, and implementation of quality systems and controls.

• Hands-on experience working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve quality escapes and improve process robustness.

• Ability to synthesize complex technical data into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams and leadership.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across global teams and suppliers.

• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.

Working Conditions

Office environment with regular interaction in laboratory and manufacturing settings.

• Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites may be required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and use of standard lab equipment.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow site Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) procedures and Coherent corporate EHS standards.