Job Purpose
As a Staff NPI Quality Engineer, you will serve as a senior technical leader and quality authority for new product introduction across VulcanForms' Consumer Technology business. You will define and lead quality strategies for complex, high-visibility programs, partnering closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Operations, Suppliers, and customer teams to transition advanced metal additive products from development into robust, scalable production. The Staff NPI Quality Engineer will influence technical direction across programs, mentor other quality engineers, and serve as a subject matter expert in NPI quality, process validation, statistical methods, and advanced manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead quality strategy for major NPI programs, establishing quality objectives, risk-based plans, deliverables, and readiness criteria from early development through production ramp.
- Define and lead process validation, including IQ/OQ/PQ, process characterization, capability studies, and validation plans for additive manufacturing and downstream processes
- Monitor product and process performance metrics and act upon trends to drive continuous improvement to improve product quality and operational efficiency.
- Support supplier quality activities, including qualification audits, as a subject matter expert and ensure supplier materials meet quality criteria.
- Drive product and process risk management strategies, including FMEA, control plans, process risk assessments, and mitigation plans throughout the NPI lifecycle.
- Develop and establish requirements for mechanical and metallurgical testing, including tensile testing, density, hardness, microstructural characterization, and other material performance evaluations for Ti-6Al-4V and high-temperature alloys.
- Establish scalable SPC and process monitoring frameworks, including critical process parameters, critical quality characteristics, control plans, capability targets, and ongoing assessment of process stability.
- Serve as a Material Review Board team member to evaluate and disposition of non-conformances.
- Lead quality engineering projects, working across manufacturing engineering, operations quality control, metallurgical lab, and NPI teams, to develop and implement quality process controls to ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Quality, or related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.
- 6+ years of quality engineering experience, ideally in advanced manufacturing or additive manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional NPI programs or quality initiatives from development through production launch.
- Expertise in process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), SPC, process capability, FMEA, 8D/root-cause analysis, CAPA, GD&T and statistical problem solving.
- Strong knowledge of quality system standards and regulatory compliance, including GMP, FDA QSR, and ISO 13485.
- Proficiency in metrology techniques and mechanical/metallurgical testing methods.
- Excellent communication skills with experience interfacing with suppliers and customers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with metal additive manufacturing, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF).
- Experience with titanium alloys, including Ti-6Al-4V, and/or high-temperature alloys.
- Experience leading NPI quality for high-complexity or highly regulated products.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement certification is a plus.
VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $117,400 to $161,500.
About Us
Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.