Senior Quality Engineer

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

Job Summary

The Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving the Quality Management System (QMS) and quality processes for precision electro‑mechanical‑optical products in an ISO 9001–certified manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure product quality, process capability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsible for collaborating with suppliers, development teams, and manufacturing teams to perform QA activities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting new design and ensuring quality standards are met throughout the product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with complex laser systems, optical assemblies, and high‑precision manufacturing processes, and is comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, high‑reliability production environment.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Management
• Quality point of contact for customers
• Support customer SCAR processes.
• Handle track and manage internal NCMRs, CAPAs, and complaint corrective actions.
• Manufacturing & Process Support
• Lead investigations of nonconforming material, customer complaints, and field issues.
• Provide sustaining support for process improvements and design changes transitioning into manufacturing.
• Assist in design transfer activities and maintain manufacturing documentation (Validations, assembly drawings, procedures, DHRs, routers, BOMs, specifications).
• Support NRTL (National recognized testing laboratories) and other regulatory functions inspections and submissions.
• Material & Product Quality
• Investigate and disposition material nonconformances; participate in MRB meetings and follow up on supplier issues (Internal and external).
• Continuous Improvement
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, yield improvement, and process capability.
  • Support Lean, Six Sigma, and risk‑based thinking initiatives.
  • Mentor and guide junior quality engineers and inspectors as needed.

• Validation & Risk Assessment
• Evaluate proposed changes to processes, equipment, or materials for business, quality and customer impact.
• Lead the generation of DFMEA and PFMEA for products and processes.
• Generate and review process validation activities and report documentation (Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams)

• Calibration & Documentation
• Assist with risk impact assessments for out-of-tolerance events.
• Develop and revise procedures, work instructions, and test methods.

• Quality Systems & Compliance
• Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001–compliant Quality Management System
• Document activities in compliance with ISO-9000 standards and product regulatory regulations for compliance and safety.
• Lead investigations into quality issues, complaints, and audit findings.
• Support CAPA processes and promote QMS awareness and improvement initiatives.
• Create and modify quality systems documents related to process, risk, inspection and quality metric monitoring.
• Act as a subject matter expert on quality system requirements and best practices.

• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Use root cause analysis and problem-solving tools to implement corrective actions.
• Make data-driven decisions and propose solutions based on calculated risks.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Structured problem solving and risk‑based thinking
• Cross‑functional leadership and influence
• Clear, professional communication
• Continuous improvement mindset