Principal Engineer, Quality

Company: Emcore Corporation
Location: Tinley Park
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description At EMCORE, we're committed to attracting and nurturing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about their work. Our employees share a common purpose-supporting our customers' missions while pursuing their own professional growth. We foster an inclusive and engaging workplace culture where innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance thrive. Core to our values is a steadfast commitment to excellence, community engagement, and integrity in everything we do. About EMCORE EMCORE LLC is a leading independent provider of advanced inertial navigation solutions for the aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. As pioneers in fiber optic gyros, ring laser gyros, and MEMS technologies, we drive innovation across a wide range of navigation applications. Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Quality is an exempt level position located in our Tinley Park IL office, reporting to our Quality Manager. The role of this position is to lead scrap reduction initiatives as well as MRB inventory. One of the key roles is to evaluate the failure modes and to develop, implement, and lead a failure analysis plan to identify the root cause. This will require cross-functional communication with the manufacturing and design engineering team. This position is 100% on site. This position will require working closely with the cross-functional team to determine root causes to improve the quality, design, and manufacturability of our company's products. The position will also include leading cross-functional teams on Six Sigma initiatives to drive root cause, corrective actions, process variation reduction, and continuous improvement activities. Essential Job Duties: · Lead scrap reduction initiatives with cross-functional team, with focus on root cause. · Lead MRB inventory reductions with cross-functional team. · Prepare and deliver presentations (i.e., Six Sigma) regarding scrap reduction and MRB inventory ireduction as required. · Prepare metrics on scrap and MRB inventory. · Develop, implement, and lead a scrap analysis plan to identify the root cause and propose solutions to reduce scrap in those areas. · Interface with the manufacturing and design engineering teams, both for soliciting inputs on possible root cause. · Perform failure analysis and work with cross-functional teams to drive root cause, corrective actions, process variation reduction, and continuous improvement activities. · Perform Supplier related issues and perform failure analysis and work with cross-functional teams to drive root cause, corrective actions, process variation reduction, and continuous improvement activities. · Proven ability to interpret complex blueprints utilizing ASME 14.5 GD&T and industry standard drawing callouts and a basic knowledge of machining processes, surface finish, and coating techniques. · Lead Six Sigma teams and initiatives and work with cross-functional teams to drive the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process. · Participate in DPRP activities for lessons learned inputs to the design activities. · Participate as a functional team member on production line issues and MRB activities as required. · Assess current state customer return process and recommend/lead improvement activities. · Coordinates outsource lab support as required. · Conduct innovative use of new analytical tools, equipment and methodologies. · Understand and assess accordingly, how equipment and process variation in test and data collection for F/A evaluation impacts data results while determining actions and conclusions. · Support QA activities such as supplier qualifications, external/internal audits, and QMS improvement initiatives. · Other activities may also include involvement with production line failures as well as supporting the Quality Management System improvement initiatives. · Coordinate with the Engineering team and prepare qualification/validation reports for DPRP projects. This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. Emcore reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Minimum Qualifications: · 5 to 7 years' solid experience as a Quality Engineer. · Experience in Six Sigma, Shainin Strategies, Lean, 5S concepts is a plus. · Work experience that involved in depth failure/defect analysis. · Knowledgeable in corrective actions, FMEAs, DFMs, control plan, DPRP process, key characteristics implementation, Gage R&R, root cause & corrective action, MRB disposition, and 8D Methodologies. · Knowledgeable and efficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. · Logical thinker and able to make autonomous decisions regarding document control and system administrator processes. · Good technical writing skills. · Good presentation skills - preparation and delivery. · Knowledge and experience in analysis techniques such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and FIB (Focused Ion Beam) is a plus. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to document and communicate complex technical concepts clearly. · Good communication and group dynamic skills - dealing with customers/suppliers, leading meetings, and interfacing with cross-functional groups within the organization as well as all levels of the organization. · Candidate must have competencies statistical concepts. · Ability to self-start and work with very little supervision. · Familiar with ISO9001: 2000 and AS9100 Quality Management system principles. · Proven ability to process information from multiple sources and make decisions based upon sound engineering judgment Minimum Education Requirements: · Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Material Science, Reliability, or similar field of study. Desired Characteristics: · Prior training in Six Sigma, Lean, Shainin, 5S concepts is a plus. · ANSI ESD S20.20, FOO Prevention, and supplier certification a plus. · In-depth knowledge of IS09001 and AS9100 *As a federal contractor, we are required to have all candidates/employees pass a criminal background check and a multi-panel drug screening, prior to starting employment. *ITAR REQUIREMENTS: Separate from employment eligibility (Form I-9), U.S. export license requirements may apply before the Company can provide certain non-"U.S. persons" with access to specific technology, software and hardware that may be necessary for a position. As such, this position may require ITAR or EAR clearance. EMCORE LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. The salary range for this role is $120K to $130K. EMCORE LLC also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(K) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and Company paid holidays. Physical Requirements: · Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. · Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards. · Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone with customers and co-workers.

Keywords: Emcore Corporation, Berwyn , Principal Engineer, Quality, Engineering , Tinley Park, Illinois