Job Title:  Sr. Quality Engineer

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to join our Extreme Precision Optics team in our manufacturing facility in Richmond, CA. The position will report directly to the Sr. Director, Technical Operations in Middlefield, CT with a strong functional line to the Richmond site leader.

As a Senior Quality Engineer, you will serve as the site Quality Lead, with broad responsibility across manufacturing quality, process risk management, new product introductions, supplier quality, and customer issue resolution. Rather than specializing in a narrow slice of quality, this role provides end‑to‑end quality influence across the product lifecycle. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives with autonomy, accountability, and hands‑on problem solving, while remaining connected to a larger corporate quality organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the primary quality authority for the Richmond facility, partnering closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Provide quality leadership for both legacy production and new product introductions, balancing immediate execution with long‑term capability building.
• Lead root cause investigations for internal, supplier, and customer quality issues using structured methodologies.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions that address systemic root causes.
• Serve as the primary quality interface for strategic customers, supporting investigations, communication, and resolution.
• Identify and mitigate process risk through PFMEAs, control plans, and data‑driven process controls.
• Ensure robust defect prevention and point‑of‑generation detection strategies.
• Apply SPC, Measurement System Analysis, and capability studies to improve process stability and product quality.
• Evaluate and improve measurement systems and inspection strategies using practical, statistically valid methods.
• Lead quality engagement in Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs) and production transitions.
• Improve manufacturing documentation, inspection methods, and work instructions.
• Evaluate and improve optics handling and precision assembly practices.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with the quality management system.
• Lead or actively participate in Lean and Kaizen initiatives focused on quality, yield, and process robustness.
• Champion continuous improvement and quality culture at the site.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or other engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in a high‑mix, low‑volume electro‑mechanical or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong, hands‑on experience with: Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), PFMEA and risk‑based process control, Root Cause & Corrective Action (8D, DMAIC, or equivalent)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and lead decision-making processes in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and listening abilities.
• Adaptability, flexibility and resiliency.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Highly motivated, results oriented, and driven.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with optical or opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Prior experience as a sole or site‑lead Quality Engineer.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo (can change to Zygo Navitar), where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

*Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.