Quality Manager - Quality Systems

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting-edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

nLIGHT has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Quality professional to manage our quality systems and drive resolution of customer and supplier quality issues. The Quality Manager is responsible for quality systems compliance to ISO 9001 and driving resolutions of customer, internal, and third-party audit issues. This role involves team leadership, structured problem solving, continuous improvement activities, and maintaining and improving business processes to support the QMS.

This position works across various locations, focusing on preventing quality issues and ensuring continuous improvement. Primarily located onsite in Camas with periodic visits to Vancouver and Hillsboro, as needed.

• Develops and implements the Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001.
• Manages quality systems in Vancouver, Camas, and Hillsboro as well as networks with other locations worldwide for best practices.
• Manages the Document Change Request (DCR) process.
• Establishes and maintains quality standards, protocols, and procedures.
• Facilitates Product Data Management (PDM) system, records, and process flow.
• Facilitates Engineering Change Order (ECO) process, risk, and approvals.
• Manages the Document Management System (DMS) and Quality Management System (QMS) for accuracy, systems, and approvals.
• Monitors and analyzes quality metrics (e.g., CAPA, Audits, Documentation) and implements corrective actions as necessary.
• Provides supervision and leadership to direct reports including employee performance management, motivating and facilitating continuous learning and development, conducting annual performance appraisals, and providing timely feedback and recognition, including regular in-person 1:1 meetings.
• Provides training on quality processes, tools, and best practices.
• Develops performance improvement plans and coaching for team members.
• Completes timely and accurate timecard review, approval, and maintenance per company policies and legal requirements.
• Manages Deviation System.
• Identifies areas of inefficiency or quality issues and proposes process improvements.
• Leads projects that drive organizational improvement to support ISO 9001, CAPAs, data systems, and business processes.
• Utilizes quality improvement methodologies like Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen.
• Collaborates with other departments (e.g., production, R&D) to enhance quality systems.
• Coordinates base information and changes with contract manufacturers. (D365, Documents, Drawings, and changes)
• Audits supplier quality systems to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and nLIGHT requirements.
• Manages Industry Standards; ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 9001, FDA, CE, or any relevant standards).
• Leads Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Review Board.
• Facilities, assists, and trains others on effective CAPAs.
• Prepares for and leads internal and external quality audits to ensure timely and effective reviews.
• Maintains detailed records of quality system activities and audits.
• Prepares reports on quality system performance, trends, and issues for senior management. (e.g., Management Reviews, Product Group reviews, KPI/Scorecards)
• Creates documentation for quality procedures, test results, and improvement actions.
• Maintains metrics and actions to address gaps.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Quality Auditor, or related field and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, math, statistics, or equivalent, combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a supervisor or manager.
• Effective leadership skills with cross functional teams.
• Experience with the 7…