Quality Engineer

About the Job

Juniper is a vertically integrated architectural lighting technology, design, and manufacturing company seeking a skilled and driven Quality Engineer to join our growing team. With manufacturing operations in Connecticut and a design studio in New York, Juniper creates high-performance lighting systems built on precision engineering, advanced materials, and innovative product platforms.

In this role, you will play a critical part in elevating our product reliability and overall operational excellence. As Juniper's Quality Engineer, you will oversee quality processes across the entire product lifecycle, from vendor parts inspection and in-process assembly quality to finished good standards and field-return analysis. This position is both strategic and hands-on: you'll develop quality standards, analyze root causes, implement process improvements, and collaborate closely with engineering, production, and design teams to ensure every product meets Juniper's uncompromising standards.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, takes pride in precision, and seeks to make a measurable impact on product performance and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and maintain Juniper's quality standards for incoming materials, in-process assembly, and finished goods.
• Establish and maintain rigorous QC procedures and inspection plans, including sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail definitions.
• Implement continuous improvement practices using Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and other quality methodologies.

Incoming Parts Quality (Supplier Quality Engineering)

• Improve and manage the incoming parts quality process, including inspection workflows, measurement methods, and rejection criteria.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve non-conformances, improve part quality, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain incoming inspection data, trends, and vendor scorecards.

In-Process & Assembly Quality

• Evaluate current assembly QC procedures and implement improvements to reduce defects, variation, and rework.
• Train assembly personnel on proper inspection, handling, and documentation techniques.
• Conduct in-process audits and enforce process control.

Finished Goods Quality

• Establish a rigorous finished parts quality standard, including dimensional checks, functional testing, cosmetic standards, and packaging requirements.
• Define and validate test procedures to ensure consistency in product performance and appearance.

Product Reliability & Engineering Collaboration

• Partner with engineering to identify design, material, or manufacturing improvements that enhance product reliability and reduce field failures.
• Assist in FMEA, design validation, and engineering change processes.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by performing sample testing, validation testing, and documenting results.

Failure Analysis & Returns

• Analyze returned faulty products to identify root causes and systemic issues.
• Produce findings reports with recommendations for design, material, or process improvements.
• Track return trends and lead corrective/preventive actions.

Data, Reporting & Documentation

• Produce periodic quality reports summarizing trends, defects, scrap rates, returns analysis, and supplier performance.
• Maintain quality documentation, SOPs, inspection records, and change logs.
• Support compliance with internal standards and industry best practices.
• Provide oversight and support for UL, ISO, and other relevant industry compliance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering (or equivalent work experience).
• 3–7 years of experience in a manufacturing quality role; experience with electronics, lighting, or precision-engineered products is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, root-cause analysis, and process control.
• Hands-on experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and measurement systems.
• Experience with CAPA, FMEA, PPAP, and reliability testing (preferred).
• Working knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma principles (certification a plus).
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, production, and suppliers.
• Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced, growing manufacturing environment.

Benefits

At Juniper, we're committed to our employees' growth, well-being, and long-term success. We offer:

• Company-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
• Competitive paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match
• Disability, life, and AD&D coverage at group rates
• Five-year employment recognition with one-month paid sabbatical leave
• Paid maternal/parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
• Career development through training and advancement opportunities

About Juniper

Juniper is a diverse group united in revolutionizing lighting systems through design, innovation, and craftsmanship. We combine modern design principles with traditional materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to create distinctive products that push boundaries.

Joining Juniper means working with state-of-the-art technology, advanced fabrication processes, and a passionate team of changemakers shaping the future of architectural lighting.

Juniper Design Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.