Supplier Quality Engineer

At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient.

We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation; it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every line of code, every design decision, every breakthrough you help deliver will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started.

THE ROLE

What You’ll Do: Manage the end-to-end quality relationship with our component supply base, from requirement definition through ongoing performance governance, ensuring the quality and reliability of inbound components.

Partner with R&D and systems engineers to translate product specifications into component-level quality, reliability, and performance requirements

Define and maintain supplier quality agreements (SQAs), control plans, and acceptance test criteria for each component category

Specify incoming quality inspection (IQI) and statistical sampling plans for high-volume components

Lead supplier qualification audits, including process, quality system, and product audits, for new and existing supply chain partners.

Drive first-article approval workflows for new component introductions and engineering changes, ensuring suppliers submit complete documentation packages

Evaluate suppliers' manufacturing process capability (Cpk/Ppk) and reliability data prior to production release

Manage approved vendor lists (AVL) and qualification status across the component portfolio

Own supplier scorecards across quality (DPPM, lot rejection rate), delivery, and responsiveness dimensions

Maintain real-time quality dashboards surfacing incoming yield trends, escape rates, and field return attribution by supplier

Conduct structured quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers to review performance and drive improvement plans

Monitor process change notifications (PCNs) and product discontinuation notices (PDNs); assess impact and manage customer notifications

Lead 8D/DMAIC corrective action processes for supplier escapes, field failures, and production stoppages.

Interface with suppliers' engineering and quality teams to ensure timely root cause analysis and robust containment

Coordinate failure analysis with internal reliability and design engineering teams; drive closed-loop feedback to suppliers

Escalate systemic supplier quality risks to program management, operations, and executive leadership

Required Qualifications

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Materials Science, or related field

7+ years in supplier quality or component engineering in photonics, semiconductors, or high-speed electronics

Hands-on experience with active optical components (lasers, detectors, drivers, TIAs)

Proficiency in quality methods: FMEA, SPC, 8D, MSA, GR&R, PPAP/AQP

Demonstrated experience conducting supplier audits (ISO 9001, TS16949 or equivalent)

Ability to interpret electro-optical and RF component datasheets and qualification reports

Excellent cross-functional communication and supplier negotiation skills

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job. It's a chance to get in on the ground floor of a well-funded company set to disrupt a multi-billion dollar market. You will have the autonomy to make a massive impact, the resources to execute your vision, and a significant stake in the company you help build.

What We Offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance

Professional development opportunities and certification support

Access to cutting-edge technology and cloud platforms

Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams

Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Working Conditions

This position is onsite

May require quarterly off-site meetings or travel

Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary

Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job

May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate business needs