Quality Engineer II

novanta; Rocklin (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

Novanta in Rocklin, CA is seeking a Quality Engineer II to support product and process quality across Robotics & Automation, with emphasis on mechatronic and electronic systems.

You will lead customer complaints, drive root cause analyses, and manage RMA investigations from intake to corrective action, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing and supply chain to ensure ISO 9001 compliance and long-term reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years quality engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with mechatronic, electronic, or electromechanical systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer complaints and RMA investigations with RCAs and corrective actions.
• Communicate findings using structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why).
• Oversee MRB, QC processes, and supplier quality activities.
• Support internal ISO 9001 audits and quality system documentation.
• Lead NPI quality activities during design to production transfers.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

CMM programming

Oracle ERP

Job description

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.

Novanta is looking for our next Quality Engineer II, come support product and process quality across the Robotics & Automation business, with a primary focus on mechatronic and electronic systems. This role leads quality investigations, continuous improvement initiatives, and supports new product development programs while maintaining a strong customer focus. Responsibilities include management of incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities; hands‑on metrology support including CMM programming and data analysis; and ownership of RMA investigations from field intake through root cause analysis and corrective action. The position partners closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and customers to ensure products meet specifications, ISO 9001 requirements, and long‑term reliability expectations.

About the Team

The Robotics & Automation team develops precision motion, sensing, and control subsystems used in industrial, medical, semiconductor, and life sciences applications. The team works closely with OEM customers to design and integrate application‑specific solutions that enable accurate, repeatable, and reliable system performance. Work spans hardware, electronics, embedded software, and systems engineering with global collaboration across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Quality

• Lead customer complaints and RMA investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Communicate findings using structured problem‑solving methods (e.g., 8D, 5-Why)
• Maintain and improve RMA processes to reduce cycle time and warranty cost
• Support customer audits, scorecards, and recurring quality reviews
• Serve as the quality representative during customer escalations

Operational Quality

• Lead quality improvement initiatives (Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Support MRB activities and scrap‑reduction efforts
• Own process capability initiatives (SPC, Cp/Cpk)
• Lead complex cross‑functional root cause investigations

Supplier Quality

• Drive supplier corrective actions from identification through closure
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities
• Conduct supplier audits and support supplier qualification
• Act as technical quality contact during supplier escalations

Quality Controls & Systems

• Oversee incoming, in‑process, and final inspection activities
• Define risk‑based sampling plans and First Article Inspection requirements
• Program, operate, and troubleshoot CMM equipment
• Support and lead internal ISO 9001 audits
• Develop and maintain quality procedures and inspection documentation

New Production Introduction (NPI)

• Lead part and process qualifications internally and within the supply chain
• Support engineering‑to‑production transfers
• Participate in and lead D/PFMEA reviews and risk mitigation activities
• Represent quality during design and development projects
• Lead quality engineering activities on major NPI programs

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with mechatronic, electronic, or electromechanical systems preferred

Technical Skills

• CMM programming and operation (Required)
• SPC, Cp/Cpk, Gage R&R, APQP, PPAP, D/PFMEA
• Supplier audits and supplier quality management
• ERP system experience: Oracle preferred

Competencies

• Ability to interpret specifications, drawings, and technical documentation
• Clear communication with customer, engineering, and leadership
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and adapt to changing priorities
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 systems

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel expected to visit customers as required. Expected <20%. Must have a valid passport and be able to travel internationally if required.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $77,330 to $115,600 annually based on full‑time employment. Compensation offers are determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, and education.
• Certain positions may be eligible for performance‑based incentive compensation and/or long‑term incentive programs. Incentive eligibility and structure may vary depending on the applicable plan and may be discretionary or non‑discretionary.
• Novanta supports all aspects of employees' well‑being. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, financial, and other programs designed to support quality of life.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call [phone] if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.