Staff Quality Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Staff Manufacturing Quality Engineer to lead factory quality engineering across our final assembly, sub-assembly, and testing operations. In this role, you will hold technical ownership of line quality, process capability, and quality gate containment at our manufacturing facilities. You will partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, NPI, Supply Chain, and Design Engineering to establish rigorous process controls, qualify production lines, drive defect prevention, and ensure zero-escape assembly for mission-critical electromechanical systems.

About the Work

Own Factory Quality & Yield Performance: Establish, monitor, and drive continuous improvement across key manufacturing quality metrics—including First Time Quality (FTQ) First Pass Yield (FPY), Scrap & Rework Rates, and End-of-Line (EOL) failure escape rates across sub-assembly and final integration lines.

Drive Process Characterization & Statistical Control: Design and execute Measurement System Analysis (Gage R&R), Process Capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) charting on critical-to-quality (CTQ) parameters, such as automated torque fastening, press-fits, PCBA flashing, and joint calibration.

Champion PFMEA & Control Plans: Develop, maintain, and rigorously update Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and manufacturing Quality Control Plans (QCP). Ensure lessons learned from field returns (CAPA/RMA) and NPI prototypes are proactively mitigated in line architecture.

Own Line 8D & Root Cause Problem Solving: Lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives using 8D, DMAIC, 5-Why, and Fishbone methodologies for chronic manufacturing defects, line stops, and assembly quality escapes, driving verified corrective and preventive actions.

NPI to Production Quality Transition: Partner with NPI and Manufacturing Engineering during build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT) to audit assembly lines, validate line tooling/fixtures, sign off on quality gates, and certify line readiness for commercial rate ramp.

Standardize Quality Work Instructions & Inspection: Define and implement standardized incoming/in-process inspection criteria, quality verification fixtures, Go/No-Go tooling, and assembly quality checklists across workstations.

Executive Quality Reviews & Pareto Analytics: Analyze factory defect trends to publish regular quality Pareto analyses, root-cause summaries, and corrective action status updates to operations and engineering leadership.

About You

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical degree.

Experience: 8+ years of hands-on Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, or Advanced Manufacturing experience supporting high-complexity, low-to-mid volume electromechanical systems (Robotics, Automotive/EV, Aerospace, Industrial Automation, or Medical Devices).

Process & Tooling Expertise: Proven expertise implementing quality controls for complex electro-mechanical assemblies, high-torque robotic actuators, precision gearboxes, structural bonded assemblies, wire harnesses, and PCBA/box-build integration.

Statistical & Quality Engineering Toolkit: Advanced practitioner in SPC, Gage R&R, Cp/Cpk analysis, PFMEA, Control Plans, IQ/OQ/PQ, and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, DMAIC, 5-Why, Ishikawa, FTA).

Factory Systems Exposure: Direct experience working within Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms for quality gate enforcement and traceability.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Quality Engineer (ASQ-CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB), or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

Experience with functional testing, End-of-Line (EOL) dyno/burn-in testing, and automated optical/laser measurement systems (CMM, Keyence, 3D profiling).

Familiarity with industrial automation and functional safety standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13849).

Direct experience ramping automated or semi-automated production lines from prototype to volume manufacturing.

Work Environment & Travel

Based full-time on-site at our manufacturing facility in Salem, OR, with daily presence on the assembly floor, quality inspection areas, and test bays.

Occasional travel (up to 15%) to regional contract manufacturers, key sub-tier component suppliers, or our Fremont, CA engineering center.

Location

This is an onsite position at our Salem office.

The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Agility Robotics is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions who work in other locations. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Anticipated Base Salary Range

$140,000—$182,000 USD