Quality Engineer I

As a Quality Engineer within Novanta’s Robotics & Automation team, you will support the optical encoder product line, ensuring product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement across mechatronic and electronic systems. This role includes responsibility for incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities, as well as RMA analysis and resolution, driving issues through to customer closure.

You will partner with cross-functional teams and suppliers to investigate quality issues, implement corrective actions, and support new product development and sustaining engineering efforts. The position requires a customer-focused approach, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple quality initiatives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Novanta’s Robotics & Automation team develops precision motion, vision, and automation subsystems that enable OEM customers to build advanced equipment used across industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, industrial automation, electronics, and life sciences. The team focuses on high-performance technologies including multi-axis motion systems, drives and controllers, encoders, and laser-based sensing, delivering integrated solutions designed for accuracy, reliability, and repeatability.

Operating within a B2B model, the group partners closely with customers to embed these components into larger systems, supporting mission-critical applications that require tight tolerances and consistent performance at scale.

• Represent Novanta in the resolution of customer quality issues, ensuring timely communication and closure

• Lead RMA investigations and communicate findings using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys)

• Drive corrective and preventive actions to address root cause and improve product performance

• Support MRB activities and contribute to scrap reduction initiatives

• Participate in continuous improvement efforts using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies

• Identify and communicate supplier quality issues and drive resolution in collaboration with the Supplier Quality team

• Support supplier corrective actions and follow issues through to closure

• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) and maintain product qualification documentation

• Support part qualification activities internally and within the supply chain

• Assist with transfer of products from engineering to production

• Participate in design and process risk assessments (DFMEA/PFMEA)

• Provide support for product compliance and certification requirements

Lead and facilitate root cause investigations into electronic component and PCBA failures, including field returns, internal rejects, and supplier defects. Perform detailed failure analysis of electronic PCBAs and assemblies.

• 5 years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical environment

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Familiarity with quality control tools, inspection processes, and basic root cause analysis methods

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical manuals, and schematics

• Exposure to ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 quality management systems preferred

• Bonus: Experience CMM programming and inspection methods

• The base pay for this position is $65,340 to $97,700 per year depending on the geographic market.

• Dependent on the position offered, annual bonuses and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of the compensation package.

• Novanta supports all aspects of your life’s needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.