Quality Control Supervisor

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Purpose of the Position

The Quality Control Supervisor is responsible for overseeing system-level testing and verification, supporting the production and service groups, and driving quality improvements for complete microscope systems across the Thorlabs Imaging Systems division. Although the position is based in Dulles, Virginia, occasional travel to other Thorlabs locations or customer sites may be required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee and ensure quality throughout testing, calibration, and final approval of all Thorlabs multiphoton, confocal, and fluorescence microscopy systems.

• Lead collaboration with production and engineering managers to establish, implement, and maintain robust testing and acceptance criteria for system-level assemblies.

• Train and collaborate with other production and engineering personnel to continue improving upon existing product knowledge and quality awareness.

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of processes to optimize efficiency, consistency, and throughput in system production.

• Review and analyze system and field failures, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions in response to customer feedback and reported issues.

• Manage system documentation process, including device history records, discrepancies, and imaging test data for confocal and multiphoton microscope product lines.

• Monitor and analyze time capture and performance data from system-level testing, providing strategic feedback to enhance production workflows and testing methodologies.

• Manage the sales queue of imaging systems and provide planning with accurate lead times for all system sales orders.

• Interface with the Imaging Systems service group to provide system-level product support for various issues encountered in the field.

• Review and validate system configurations during the quoting process to confirm technical feasibility and testing requirements.

• Collaborate with Engineering to provide system-level test data and input during product verification and release.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position preferred.

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in physics, Engineering, or a related technical field required

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience building, aligning and servicing microscopes.

• Experience with laser scanning microscopes (Confocal, multiphoton), a plus

• Experience in field service or application support, a plus

• Knowledge on the theory and design of imaging systems

• Experience with Microsoft products and ERP systems.

• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment.

• Experience with process improvement and new process implementation.

• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards.

• High level of safety consciousness and situational awareness, preferable experience working with high power lasers.

• Experience using standard measurement equipment

• Strong attention to detail.

Responsible for managing a team of system-level technicians.

The estimated pay range for this role is $64,700 - $ 82,230 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.