- Early Engagement & Proactive Quality Planning: Partner with Hardware Engineering Team, Product Design teams in the early concept phases (N+1 / N+2 products) to conduct advanced quality, process, and design assessments for new brittle materials and components. Develop a comprehensive mass production (MP) scaling and quality plan based on early assessments to de-risk high-volume launch.
- Act as the Quality Engineering lead for assigned programs, managing all quality functions and serving as the project manager for quality initiatives at supplier locations.
- Partner with global teams (Design, Process Engineering, Supplier Management) to evaluate product designs and manufacturing processes for brittle materials during the concept and development phases.
- Develop and implement measurement technologies, control strategies, and quality inspection tools for evaluating the structural integrity, cosmetic, optical, and dimensional characteristics of brittle parts.
- Lead investigations into optical sensing integration, validating the optical performance and manufacturability of complex new geometry designs.
- Design and validate specialized test methods and gauges for brittle material properties. Compile and analyze data to establish precise process and part specifications.
- Lead rapid and rigorous problem-solving initiatives: Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for material failures, yield drops, and quality excursions, applying advanced problem-solving tools and leading multi-functional and supplier teams.
- Develop manufacturing methods and information systems that achieve unparalleled quality targets for brittle components while enabling scalable, high-yield production.
- Establish and implement audit procedures to ensure consistent adherence to quality standards at supplier facilities.
- Evaluate, communicate, and improve production yields for new and existing processes involving brittle materials.
- Work closely with internal and external groups to define quality expectations and implement appropriate assurance techniques throughout the supply chain.
Minimum Qualifications
GD&T Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T/ASME Y14.5) principles. Ability to interpret complex 2D/3D engineering drawings and define robust dimensional metrology and inspection strategies for complex geometries.
Advanced Materials Characterization & Diagnostics: Hands-on experience with Failure Analysis (FA) and characterization tools including FTIR, SEM, and TEM. Ability to interpret data to diagnose material failures and systematically isolate root causes.
Data Science Proficiency: Strong skills in applying statistical analysis, data modeling, and computational methods to materials problems. Ability to use data to predict behavior and optimize processes.
Communication: Fluent English speaker with outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to diverse audiences.
Personal Skills: Excellent initiative, relentless and structured problem-solving prowess in a research or project setting, and the ability to lead and influence.
Deep Theoretical & Practical Knowledge: Expertise in the structure-property-processing relationships of brittle materials (e.g., ceramics, glasses, inter-metallics, certain composites).
Optical Background: Strong understanding of the optical properties of materials, optical sensing, and light transmission, specifically as they relate to advanced geometric designs and sensor integrations.
Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Geology (with materials focus), or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven hands-on experience in a quality or manufacturing engineering role within a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment.
Experience in the processing, finishing, or quality control of brittle materials in an industrial or advanced research setting.
Experience with optical metrology and inspecting transparent/translucent components for optical clarity and sensor performance.
Project management experience with a solid understanding of advanced problem-solving frameworks and methodologies (e.g., Design of Experiments, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Statistical Process Control).
Knowledge of quality/reliability concepts, supplier management, and manufacturing operations.
Experience with mechanical enclosures, injection molding, tooling, jigs, fixtures, or automotive high-volume manufacturing is a plus.
An MBA or management certification.