IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
JOB SUMMARY
The Quality Engineer supports product quality and reliability across IPG Systems products by applying established quality engineering principles and practices. This role partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure product quality, process capability, and compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
Working under general guidance, the Quality Engineer contributes to problem-solving, continuous improvement, and quality system activities. The role is focused on developing technical expertise while delivering measurable improvements in product and process performance.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Product Quality & Reliability
- Support definition and verification of product quality and reliability requirements, including participation in qualification and reliability testing
- Analyze product performance and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities
- Participate in root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D)
- Contribute to initiatives focused on defect reduction, yield improvement, and reliability enhancement
Manufacturing & Process Support
- Provide day-to-day quality engineering support to manufacturing operations
- Assist in implementation of containment actions (e.g., Stop Ship / Stop Build) under guidance
- Collect, clean, and analyze quality data from manufacturing, test, and field systems; generate reports and dashboards to support decision-making
- Support design transfer activities, including review and update of manufacturing documentation (e.g., work instructions, DHRs, BOMs, routers)
- Participate in validation activities and process improvement efforts
Quality Systems & Compliance
- Support CAPA activities, including investigation, documentation, and effectiveness verification
- Assist in maintaining and improving quality system documentation (procedures, inspection criteria, metrics)
- Ensure adherence to QMS and applicable regulatory/ISO requirements
- Contribute to internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in manufacturing or quality engineering role within an electro-mechanical or similar industry
- Exposure to precision assemblies, optics, or high-reliability products preferred
- Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, SPC) is preferred
Required Abilities:
- Working knowledge of quality engineering principles and statistical methods
- Ability to analyze data and draw actionable conclusions using tools such as Excel or Minitab
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Ability to document work clearly, including test protocols, reports, and procedures
- Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions
Key Competencies
- Developing technical/professional expertise
- Structured problem solving with guidance
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Attention to detail and execution discipline
Physical Requirements:
- This role is fully onsite and requires daily presence in a manufacturing/production environment; remote work is not an option
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (frequently 60–80% of the shift) on the production floor
- Ability to move throughout manufacturing areas, including production lines, quality labs, warehouses, and maintenance areas
- Capability to climb stairs, ladders, and work platforms to access machinery and inspection points
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach to inspect parts, equipment, and processes at various heights and angles
- Ability to work in tight or confined spaces when required for audits or inspections
- Ability to lift, carry, and handle materials up to 25–35 pounds occasionally
- Ability to sit for extended periods when performing data analysis, reporting, root cause investigations, and meetings
- Ability to alternate between desk work and active floor presence throughout the day
MA: $74,956 - $99,316
Skills Required
- Working knowledge of quality engineering principles and statistical methods
- Ability to analyze data and draw actionable conclusions using tools such as Excel or Minitab
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems (QMS)
- Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions
- Ability to document work clearly, including test protocols, reports, and procedures
- This role is fully onsite and requires daily presence in a manufacturing/production environment
- Minimum 2 years of experience in manufacturing or quality engineering within an electro-mechanical or similar industry
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field
- Exposure to precision assemblies, optics, or high-reliability products
- Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, SPC)
IPG Photonics Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about IPG Photonics and has not been reviewed or approved by IPG Photonics.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan offers a 15% discount with a lookback feature and is available in the U.S. and Germany. This broad-based equity program is consistently highlighted as a standout component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO typically starts around three weeks with growth over tenure, alongside roughly 10–12 paid holidays and noted carryover options. Time-off policies are often viewed as a strong part of the package.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual bonuses are emphasized as a meaningful part of total compensation. Company materials and role descriptions explicitly include bonuses as part of the offering.
IPG Photonics Insights
What We Do
IPG Photonics is the world leader in fiber laser technology, offering solutions for applications across a wide array of industries. Headquartered in Marlborough, USA, the company has developed a robust, vertically integrated supply chain, developing key technology components in-house, thus enabling the most reliable, powerful, and efficient laser solutions. With over 30 locations across the globe, we are committed to developing innovative products that provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for our customers’ needs.
