Materion is seeking a Quality Engineer to join our rapidly growing Precision Optics and Thin Film Coatings team located in Westford, MA. The Quality Engineer is a key contributor to the Quality team, supporting both the Quality Management System (QMS) and manufacturing quality functions. This role strengthens the team's ISO compliance capabilities while supporting continuous improvement, customer requirements, and product quality. The Quality Engineer partners with Operations, Engineering, Program Management, and Sales to ensure processes and products consistently meet internal, regulatory, and customer requirements. The position also supports and serves as a backup to the Quality Manager as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

% Time Spent

35%

Quality Management System & ISO Compliance
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System to ensure compliance with ISO9001 and AS9100 requirements.
• Conduct internal audits, coordinate external audits, and manage corrective actions through closure.
• Support document control, calibration management, change management, and nonconforming material processes.
• Develop and update quality procedures, work instructions, and standard operating processes.
• Train plant personnel on QMS processes, ISO requirements, and quality standards.
• Prepare QMS metrics and reports related to nonconformance trends, complaints, and system health.

35%

Manufacturing Quality & Process Improvement
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methods.
• Support corrective action processes using 8D, 5 Why, and other structured problem-solving tools.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify trends and develop proactive improvements.
• Support root cause investigations, failure analysis, and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering during process changes and new product introduction.

25%

Customer & Supplier Interaction
• Prepare and submit AS9100 FAI packages, PPAP documentation, and other validation materials.
• Support customer quality issues, including complaints, audits, and visits.
• Assist Sales, Operations, and Engineering with customer requirements and specifications.
• Coordinate supplier quality activities, including discrepant material and supplier change requests.

5%

Leadership & Team Support
• Serve as backup to the Quality Manager as needed.
• Provide indirect leadership to quality team members and support cross-functional project teams.
• Represent the Quality function on committees, project teams, and task forces.

100%

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of ISO9001/AS9100 QMS requirements; internal auditing experience required.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodologies (certification preferred).
• Familiarity with APQP, FMEAs, SPC, GD&T, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Experience with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing skills in problem solving, statistics, manufacturing quality, and quality principles
• Ability to understand, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and MS Project or similar planning software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SPC tools, DOE, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone).
• Experience with ERP or QMS software systems preferred.

Salary range: $101,000.00 - 122,000.00*
*The salary range listed is a guide for this position and may vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other qualifications. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's individual merits and the company's compensation policies.

The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materion's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materion's business requirements.