2027 Spring Quality Engineer Intern/Co-op (R20246)

MKS Inc.; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick time

Vacation days

Job summary

MKS Inc. is seeking a Quality Co-op/Intern in the Optical Sensing Products division to partner with Production Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support production by assisting with in‑process audits, analyzing data, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives.

You will report to the Quality Engineering Manager. This 4‑month internship/co‑op offers meaningful work with hands‑on projects, exposure to multiple divisions, and opportunities to develop

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Understanding of process checks, compliance verification, or inspection activities
• Ability to work with Excel, SPC charts, Pareto analysis, or basic statistics
• Familiarity with structured problem‑solving tools used in quality engineering
• Ability to identify process deviations and document findings accurately
• Clear written and verbal communication for reporting and team discussions
• Basic understanding of production workflows and process controls
• Ability to work effectively with operators, engineers, and supervisors

Responsibilities

• Assist with in‑process audits on the production line to verify compliance with work instructions, process controls, and quality standards.
• Collect production and quality data to identify trends or abnormalities.
• Support quality improvement projects focused on reducing defects, improving yield, and enhancing process capability.
• Participate in root‑cause investigations using tools such as 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams.
• Monitor key quality indicators and escalate issues when deviations occur.
• Prepare audit notes, data summaries, and quality reports to support engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with production operators, supervisors, and quality engineers to resolve issues and maintain product quality

Skills

Excel proficiency

Statistical analysis

Root-cause analysis

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or diploma in Quality/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SPC charts

Pareto analysis

Basic statistics

Job description

A Day In Your Life At MKS

As a Quality Co-op/Intern at MKS Inc.’ Optical Sensing Products (OSP) division, you will partner with Production Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support production operations by assisting with in-process audits, analyzing manufacturing data, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives. In this role, you will report to the Quality Engineering Manager.

Intern/Co-op Term: This is 4-month internship/co-op position. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the assignment.

Internship Program Overview

• Intern/co-op within a functional area of MKS that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends.
• Meaningful work and project assignments
• Networking opportunities with peers and executives
• Exposure to different divisions of the business
• Understanding of MKS Instruments’ commitment to inclusion and belonging.

You Will Make An Impact By

• Assisting with in‑process audits on the production line to verify compliance with work instructions, process controls, and quality standards
• Collecting and analyzing production and quality data to identify trends or abnormalities
• Supporting quality improvement projects focused on reducing defects, improving yield, and enhancing process capability
• Participating in root‑cause investigations using tools such as 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams
• Monitoring key quality indicators and escalating issues when deviations occur
• Preparing audit notes, data summaries, and quality reports to support engineering decisions
• Collaborating with production operators, supervisors, and quality engineers to resolve issues and maintain product quality

Skills You Bring

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or diploma in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Understanding of process checks, compliance verification, or inspection activities
• Ability to work with Excel, SPC charts, Pareto analysis, or basic statistics
• Familiarity with structured problem‑solving tools used in quality engineering
• Ability to identify process deviations and document findings accurately
• Clear written and verbal communication for reporting and team discussions
• Basic understanding of production workflows and process controls
• Ability to work effectively with operators, engineers, and supervisors

Preferred Skills

• Previous direct/indirect exposures with manufacturing environment
• Some exposure to Quality Management and tools

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
• Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Must be able to exchange accurate information
• The ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
• Operates in a professional office environment
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Noise level in the work environment is usually average

Compensation And Benefits

Hourly Pay: $20.00 to $25.00 per hour. This is a good faith estimate of the expected range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co-ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.

The application period for the intern/co-op position is estimated to be through the end of March 2027; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail] .