Director of Quality

Coherent Corp.; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a Quality Leader in Newark, Delaware, responsible for driving quality processes, continuous improvement, and compliance in a regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in engineering, and a strong knowledge of quality systems. Key responsibilities include managing audits, leading transformation initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in quality leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ceramics, materials, machining, and/or semiconductor industry strongly preferred.
• Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of production processes and quality management systems.
• Drive quality transformation initiatives focused on cost reduction and performance metrics.
• Build strong customer relationships through effective quality responses.

Skills

Leadership

Statistical analysis

Quality systems expertise

Problem-solving capability

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment, governance, and continuous improvement of production processes, business systems, and quality management systems.
• Serve as ISO 9001 Management Representative and provide leadership for internal, external, customer, and certification audits.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Quality Strategy & Systems

• Lead the design, deployment, governance, and continuous improvement of production processes, business systems, and quality management systems.
• Serve as ISO 9001 Management Representative and provide leadership for internal, external, customer, and certification audits.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Operational Excellence & Performance

• Drive enterprise‑wide quality transformation initiatives focused on cost of quality reduction, waste elimination, throughput, and yield improvement.
• Establish, monitor, and achieve key quality and operational performance metrics, including but not limited to PPM, cost of quality, nonconformities, and warranty performance in accordance with Coherent and Business Unit standards and requirements.
• Deploy and standardize advanced quality and continuous improvement tools (SPC, FMEA, MSA, DOE, value stream analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, 6s) across the organization.

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Lead customer‑facing quality activities including complaint resolution, audits, corrective actions, and warranty management.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through timely, effective, and world‑class quality responses.
• Drive supplier quality performance and partner with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues and improve capability.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Quality organization, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and engagement.
• Ensure quality objectives are aligned with corporate and business unit strategic plans and integrated across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in quality leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment, including quality systems, auditing, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with ceramics, materials, machining, and/or semiconductor industry strongly preferred.

Skills

Strong leadership, statistical analysis, quality systems expertise, problem‑solving capability, communication skills, and ability to operate in regulated manufacturing environments. Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements.

Working Conditions

Office and manufacturing environment with travel to both domestic and international manufacturing and customer sites as needed. Extended hours may be required during audits, critical business needs, and communication with Coherent sites and customers outside the Eastern US time zone.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, walk manufacturing floors, and communicate effectively.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].