Principal Quality Engineer

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Principal Quality Engineer at Newport / MKS Instruments, located in Irvine, CA, you will lead Quality Engineering efforts across high-value optical assemblies and laser systems, with a particular focus on critical subsystem manufacturing transfers. While deep experience with optics and lasers remains highly preferred, candidates with backgrounds in complex diagnostics systems, radiology/imaging systems, or other high-precision electromechanical or optoelectronic platforms are also encouraged to apply. You will partner with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain to drive world-class product quality, support transfer programs to global sites, and enable customer satisfaction through a data-driven, zero-defect mindset.

You will report to the Technical Director, Quality Engineering and serve as a key quality liaison for high-complexity, precision optical and laser products.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Leading Quality Engineering activities for laser-based optical subsystems, including optical assembly transfer programs from Irvine to global manufacturing sites
• Driving a culture of Zero Defect Quality in collaboration with the Optical Assembly and Laser Systems Teams
• Applying structured 8D and DMAIC problem-solving to complex technical issues, with timely customer-facing communication and closure
• Leading PFMEA, control plans, and quality risk assessments for complex optical assemblies and transfers
• Drive the implementation of process controls based on risk assessments that mitigate risk or ensure point of generation detection of quality defects/concerns
• Reviewing and updating QMS documentation and procedures in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and customer-specific quality requirements
• Leading Customer Complaints, RMAs, CAPA, and related metrics tracking, with strong ownership of root cause and corrective actions
• Partnering with Engineering and Production teams to proactively reduce variability and enhance process capability and product reliability
• Evaluate and improve upon existing monitoring and measuring capability for manufacturing and assembly processes in a manner that is both practical and statistically effective (e.g. Measurement System Analysis)
• Supporting incoming inspection, in-process quality, and final product release for complex, tolerance-critical assemblies
• Supporting customer audits, transfer validation, and regulatory compliance for semiconductor and aerospace customers
• Support continuous improvement activity within the facility. Launch and/or participate in multi-disciplinary Kaizen events as needed to enhance productivity and/or quality performance within the facility

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related technical field
• 8+ years of Quality Engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment; preferably involving optical or laser systems, but experience with diagnostics systems, radiology/imaging equipment, or other high-reliability instrumentation is also highly valued
• Strong command of quality tools and methodologies: 8D, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, DOE, Six Sigma, etc
• Experience with product and process transfers, especially in regulated or customer-qualified environments
• Deep understanding of ASME Y GD&T, ISO 9001:2015, and customer quality expectations in semiconductor or aerospace industries
• Proven ability to work across functions and lead complex issues with data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred Skills (Highly Desired):

• Experience supporting Tier-1 semiconductor OEMs
  Hands-on experience with laser integration, fiber optics, or advanced optical coatings
• Familiarity with optics fabrication, metrology, interferometry, and environmental qualification testing
• Experience with product lifecycle management and validation of transfer processes

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 10% travel, including visits to customer sites or global MKS manufacturing locations

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $130,000 to $160,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.   At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable]. 

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.]. 

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.  

#LI-EKI

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:  .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role