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MKS Inc. · 1 day ago

Principal Quality Engineer - Optics & Lasers Systems

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$130K/yr - $160K/yr

8+ years exp

MKS Inc. is a leader in precision manufacturing, and they are seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to lead Quality Engineering efforts across high-value optical assemblies and laser systems. The role involves driving a culture of zero defect quality, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with quality standards in complex manufacturing environments.

Enterprise SoftwareInformation TechnologyManufacturing

No H1B

Responsibilities

Leading Quality Engineering activities for laser-based optical subsystems, including optical assembly transfer programs from Irvine to global manufacturing sites

Driving a culture of Zero Defect Quality in collaboration with the Optical Assembly and Laser Systems Teams

Applying structured 8D and DMAIC problem-solving to complex technical issues, with timely customer-facing communication and closure

Leading PFMEA, control plans, and quality risk assessments for complex optical assemblies and transfers

Drive the implementation of process controls based on risk assessments that mitigate risk or ensure point of generation detection of quality defects/concerns

Reviewing and updating QMS documentation and procedures in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and customer-specific quality requirements

Leading Customer Complaints, RMAs, CAPA, and related metrics tracking, with strong ownership of root cause and corrective actions

Partnering with Engineering and Production teams to proactively reduce variability and enhance process capability and product reliability

Evaluate and improve upon existing monitoring and measuring capability for manufacturing and assembly processes in a manner that is both practical and statistically effective (e.g. Measurement System Analysis)

Supporting incoming inspection, in-process quality, and final product release for complex, tolerance-critical assemblies

Supporting customer audits, transfer validation, and regulatory compliance for semiconductor and aerospace customers

Support continuous improvement activity within the facility. Launch and/or participate in multi-disciplinary Kaizen events as needed to enhance productivity and/or quality performance within the facility

Qualification

Quality EngineeringOptical SystemsLaser Systems8D Problem SolvingPFMEAISO 9001 2015Six SigmaGD&TData-driven Decision MakingContinuous ImprovementCross-functional Collaboration

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related technical field

8+ years of Quality Engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment; preferably involving optical or laser systems, but experience with diagnostics systems, radiology/imaging equipment, or other high-reliability instrumentation is also highly valued

Strong command of quality tools and methodologies: 8D, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, DOE, Six Sigma, etc

Experience with product and process transfers, especially in regulated or customer-qualified environments

Deep understanding of ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T, ISO 9001:2015, and customer quality expectations in semiconductor or aerospace industries

Proven ability to work across functions and lead complex issues with data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration