Job Description

Are you naturally curious? So are we at MKS. Our collective curiosity drives us to be an innovation leader in many industries. Our products drive technology advancements across a wide range of applications such as 5G, augmented/virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, clean drinking water and space exploration. We are a team of collaborators who value fresh thinking and believe in mutual respect, constructive candor, diversity and inclusion. As a valued and trusted partner to our customers, we are continually pushing the boundaries of possibility. We believe in creating technology that transforms our world and are looking for like-minded individuals to join our team. If this is appealing to you, we want to meet you.

Spectra-Physics, Ophir and Newport are brands within the MKS Instruments Light & Motion division. We provide a full range of solutions including lasers for precision industrial and scientific research applications, laser and LED measurement, beam profiling, precision motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonics instruments, opto-mechanical components and optical elements. MKS Light & Motion solutions enhance our customers’ capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research and defense markets.

We are looking for a Technical Director of Quality with demonstrated abilities to collaborate with cross functional teams to achieve organizational objectives and to drive continuous improvement. You will use your exceptional quality assurance experience developing and implementing quality strategies to ensure operational performance while complying with all relevant standards.  What you will do:

• Provide leadership to the quality organization to help drive a proactive approach with improvements within design, manufacturing, suppliers and customers.  Lead monthly management reviews for the leadership team to help drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze customer returns and failure rate data in depth and trend Quality Metrics. Also, review repair data for accuracy, determine root cause and CAPA (corrective and preventive actions) with a focus on systemic improvements. You will accomplish this by collaborating with Operations and Engineering, as needed, to determine root cause and in-process failures.
• Expand and improve on existing processes and create robust methods across multiple sites
• Identify and further develop KPI’s (key performance indicators) within the business to help drive towards Operational Excellence.
• Further enhance the organization through the use and implementation of various tools such quality plans, process flows, FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis), DOE (design of experiments).
• Drive and promote a culture of quality within the organization.
• Quality management system ownership, Manage Internal Quality System Audit Program, Conduct Quality System Management Reviews

What will you bring to the team, along with your creativity and curiosity is an in-depth understanding of complex process manufacturing and technical knowledge of optical component and/or optical assembly. We are looking for the following attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics (MS and or MBA preferred) with 10 years minimum industry experience (optics and/or photonics).
• A background in R&D, materials science and product life cycle.
• Hands on leadership to perform both tactical and strategic activities. 
• Analytical and technical ability (a problem solver). Experience with reliability a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with customers and management and a change agent approach with strong functional team building abilities.
• Experience with working with large OEM organizations, particularly in the semiconductor industry a strong plus
• Effective and thorough knowledge of quality improvement tools, including:

1. Design quality tools, including D/PFMEA, DFX, Poke-yoke, New Product Introduction
2. Statistical decision-making methods including process capability analysis and DoE
3. Problem solving tools (8D, K-T). 
4. Knowledgeable of ISO 9001-2015 and ISO 14001. 

MKS Instruments, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We solicit and hire applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected category. Our policy is to employ the most qualified applicants. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with company policies and federal and state guidelines.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, for positions requiring access to export-controlled goods and technical data that are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), MKS Instruments. Inc. may have to obtain an export license from the U.S. Government. As such, applicants for these positions, except “U.S. persons” (generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals (holder of a US Passport), lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees), may be subject to an export license review process. Employment is contingent upon issuance of the l