Quality Engineer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at NovoLINC Inc

NovoLINC is a deep-tech spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the ARPA-E COOLERCHIPS program, dedicated to creating the world's best thermal solutions to drive sustainable global technological advancement. Our universal, high-performance thermal interface material (TIM) is designed to meet the critical demands of energy-dense devices and systems. We serve a range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic devices, AI data centers, automotive, and aerospace, with best-in-class thermal interface solutions.

At NovoLINC, we believe in a people first approach to company growth where our employees are our most valuable resource and all team members are given the opportunity to contribute and grow their skills.

Position Overview

NovoLINC is growing its technical team in electroplating and manufacturing. We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-orientated quality engineer who can join us as we continue to expand our manufacturing operations and product offering footprint. This role is suitable for individuals with a quality background and commitment to safety and a growth mindset.

Working directly under the Process Engineering Manager as part of the process development team, the quality engineer will be responsible for day-to-day quality-related manufacturing activities, leading quality assurance process and system execution, and ensuring customer quality standards. The role will involve significant use of quality-related tools, day-to-day problem solving, and execution of the change management process. This role will help shape the fundamental quality direction of an emerging organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes, systems, and procedures.
• Monitor product and process quality through inspections, audits, and data analysis.
• Investigate quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and lead corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality concerns and improve manufacturing or operational processes.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including control plans, inspection procedures, and work instructions.
• Analyze quality-specific metrics and prepare reports to communicate performance trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support supplier quality activities, including evaluations and follow-up corrective action.
• Participate in new product introductions (NPI) to ensure quality requirements are incorporated during development.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, auditing expectations, and regulatory guidelines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other quality methodologies.

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BS/BSE) (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Operations), Material Science, Quality, or a related technical field.
• -5 years of experience in a quality engineering or quality assurance role, ideally in a mature operational environment with established quality systems.
• Strong knowledge and applicational experience of quality management systems and fundamental quality tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, 8D, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis)
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, customer specifications, and technical documentation.
• Exposure to change management and formalize new product introduction (NPI) systems and methods.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with laboratory analytical equipment used for thermal conductivity, physical characterization (thickness, weight. dimensions), chemical composition, and coating characterization.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other relevant quality certification.
• Experience working with manufacturing processes, in both scale-up and full production stages.
• Manufacturing-focused project experience using Lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Deep knowledge and/or Certified Auditor of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485, or other industry-specific quality standards.
• Experience using statistical analysis software such as JMP and Minitab to analyze data.
• Familiarity with ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience with supplier quality management protocol and audits.
• Project management experience, including leading cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Experience in semiconductor, consumer electronics, or precision-based market spaces.

Benefits

NovoLINC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health care, flexible paid time off (PTO). This is an opportunity to work with a team of highly motivated individuals who are driving innovation in the thermal management industry.