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 benefi