Quality Manager - Quality Systems

About the role

The Quality Manager at nLIGHT is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Quality Management System across nLIGHT's Camas, Vancouver, and Hillsboro operations. This role ensures ISO 9001 compliance and supports internal, supplier, and third-party audits.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) across Camas, Vancouver, and Hillsboro to ensure ISO 9001 compliance and consistent quality practices.
• Oversees document and change control processes, including DMS, DCR, ECO, PDM, deviations, workflows, approvals, and record accuracy.
• Led CAPA and audit activities, including review board facilitation, internal and external audit readiness, supplier quality audits, compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and maintenance of quality system records and documentation.
• Provides leadership and supervision to the quality systems team, including performance management, coaching, training, development, recognition, timecard approvals, and regular in-person 1:1 meetings.
• Drives continuous improvement through data analysis, quality metrics, structured problem solving, and methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, while partnering cross-functionally to strengthen business processes and resolve quality issues.
• Prepares quality performance reports for management and supports contract manufacturer master data and change coordination, including D365 records, drawings, documents, and related updates.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Quality Auditor, or in a related field, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, math, statistics, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a supervisor or manager.
• Effective leadership skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience with the 7 quality tools.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to solve challenging problems while promoting a productive and positive work environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience auditing manufacturing processes in a production or assembly environment.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting data to a diverse audience.
• Able to use sound judgment and discretion and to escalate issues appropriately.
• Strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Strong mathematical and statistical skills.
• Able to resolve complex issues involving multiple variables in demanding situations.
• Demonstrated ability to protect confidential and proprietary information, exercise discretion, and set professional boundaries.

Physical Requirements

• Remain in a stationary position or move through the work area, production floors, labs, and other company locations for extended periods, as needed to perform inspections, audits, meetings, and other job duties.
• Work in office, manufacturing, laboratory, and clean room environments, using required personal protective equipment and following applicable safety protocols.
• Use a computer and other standard office equipment to review documents, analyze data, prepare reports, and perform other administrative tasks, which may involve repetitive hand movements.
• Occasionally move or lift materials, samples, or documents weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally travel overnight for supplier audits, customer visits, or off-site inspections, which may involve extended driving or air travel.

Pay

Salary level is based on experience, education, and skills: Quality Manager: $90,000 - $119,000 annually
Senior Quality Manager: $115,000 - $140,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time position.