Principle Engineer I, Laser

Quasar San Diego LLC; California; On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Quasar San Diego LLC is seeking a Principal Laser Application Engineer to lead laser manufacturing for Nitinol medical device components. You will develop, optimize, and transfer laser processes across prototype to production, collaborating with New Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and customers to advance technical capabilities.

The role requires 15+ years in laser manufacturing for medical devices, with deep Nitinol experience and strong DOE/SPC/process validation skills.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience developing laser manufacturing processes in the medical device industry.
• Extensive experience with Nitinol and precision material processing.
• Expertise in DOE, SPC, process validation and capability analysis.
• Experience with FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and Design Controls.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader for laser processing of Nitinol device components.
• Develop and implement advanced laser manufacturing processes for cutting, welding, drilling, marking, texturing.
• Evaluate new laser technologies and equipment to expand capabilities.
• Lead DOE to optimize process capability and yield.
• Support new product development and transfer to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure manufacturability and problem-solve complex issues.
• Mentor engineers and technicians on laser technologies and best practices.

Skills

Laser processing

Nitinol processing

DOE

SPC

Process validation

Manufacturing transfer

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Ph.D. preferred

Tools

CAD/CAM programming

CNC motion systems

Vision inspection systems

Automation control

Job description

Our Culture We strive for an inclusive company culture, where everyone feels valued, has a voice and is treated fairly, for their personal benefit, the benefit of Quasar, and the benefit of our customers and doctors using our products for patients in need.

Job Summary The Principal Laser Application Engineer is the technical leader for laser manufacturing processes used in the production of Nitinol medical device components. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and transferring robust laser processing technologies that enable high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing of next-generation medical devices. Working closely with New Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and customers, the Principal Laser Application Engineer develops innovative laser processes for prototype, pilot, and commercial production while advancing the organization's technical capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technology Leadership Serve as the technical expert for laser processing of Nitinol medical device components.
• Develop and implement advanced laser manufacturing processes for cutting, welding, drilling, marking, texturing, and other laser applications.
• Evaluate and implement new laser technologies, equipment, and automation to expand manufacturing capabilities.
• Support the organization's technology roadmap through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Process Development Develop robust, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing processes for new products.
• Optimize laser parameters to achieve product performance, dimensional accuracy, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Establish process windows and validate manufacturing processes.
• Develop fixtures, tooling, and processing methods to improve productivity and quality.
• Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize process capability and yield.
• New Product Development Support customer development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure products are designed for manufacturability.
• Lead technical problem-solving for complex manufacturing challenges.
• Support successful transfer of new products into production.
• Manufacturing Support Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting complex manufacturing issues.
• Improve process capability, yields, throughput, and cost.
• Support equipment qualification, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and best practices.
• Collaboration Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Interface directly with customers on technical discussions and process development activities.
• Mentor engineers and technicians on laser processing technologies and manufacturing best practices.
• Support capital equipment selection and implementation.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required. Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• Experience 15+ years of experience developing laser manufacturing processes in the medical device industry.
• Extensive experience processing Nitinol and other precision medical device materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in laser cutting, welding, drilling, marking, and precision material processing.
• Experience supporting New Product Development and process transfer into manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), process validation, and process capability analysis.
• Experience with FDA Quality System Regulations, ISO 13485, and Design Controls.

Preferred Technical Expertise:

• Nitinol laser processing
• Femtosecond, picosecond, and fiber laser technologies
• Laser parameter optimization
• CAD/CAM programming
• CNC motion systems
• Vision inspection systems
• Automation and process controls
• Metallurgy and heat-affected zone control
• Electropolishing and post-laser finishing processes
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma

Join Our Global Team

Are you passionate about helping others? Our employees are dedicated to serving medical device customers who deliver life-giving therapies around the world. We seek individuals who are enthusiastic, intelligent and thrive in teamwork, with a strong aspiration to pursue a fulfilling and impactful career. At Quasar, every day is a new opportunity to make a difference. Check out our open positions and bring your passion to life.

True To Quality

At Quasar, quality is more than just a priority – it is part of our culture. Our comprehensive development and manufacturing solutions for minimally invasive devices, catheters and sensors enable life-giving therapies for patients all over the world, and we take this responsibility seriously. Explore exciting career opportunities with Quasar by browsing our current job openings. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our Mission

To earn the trust of leading medical device brands as quality supply partner with minimally invasive and innovative solutions for patients globally and locally. What we make saves lives. If you share our commitment to quality and innovation, we want to hear from you.