Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Quality Assurance (QA) Manager to lead the quality function within our R&D Photonics team. The QA Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems to ensure the performance, reliability, and compliance of our photonics technologies, components, and systems during the R&D phase. This role bridges R&D, production, and regulatory standards to support innovation while ensuring quality is built into all stages of development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage quality strategies, plans, and protocols for photonics R&D projects.
- Establish and enforce quality assurance processes and best practices in line with ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (if applicable), or other industry standards.
- Collaborate with R&D engineers, optical scientists, and product managers to define and review product specifications and testing methodologies.
- Design, implement, and oversee product verification and validation (V&V) processes for photonics components such as lasers, optical fibers, detectors, and integrated photonic circuits.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) for R&D issues, product failures, or deviations.
- Maintain detailed documentation including test plans, quality reports, risk assessments (e.g., FMEA), and compliance checklists.
- Support technology transfer from R&D to production, ensuring quality requirements are clearly defined and met.
- Conduct internal audits of R&D processes and support external audits or customer quality assessments.
- Train R&D and engineering staff in quality practices, documentation protocols, and regulatory awareness.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optics, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Quality Assurance within a high-tech or R&D-focused environment, preferably in photonics, semiconductor, or medical devices.
- Strong understanding of photonics technologies, fabrication, and test methods.
- Proven experience with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or similar quality standards.
- Familiarity with design control, risk management (FMEA), and validation processes.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interface with technical and non-technical teams.
- Experience with quality management systems (QMS), document control, and statistical analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with cleanroom or lab-based R&D environments.
- Certification in quality (e.g., ASQ CQE, Six Sigma).
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for photonic devices used in telecom, healthcare, or aerospace applications.
