Material Science Engineer Jobs in Traverse City, MI

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting‑edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world‑class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high‑tech engineering with hands‑on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Senior Quality Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer for our location in Traverse City, MI. The Senior Quality Engineer will play a pivotal role in quality assurance, auditing and continuous improvement processes for our facility. They are responsible for identifying technical issues and getting to the root cause of problems. They also recommend solutions that’ll improve product durability and overall performance.

The Senior Quality Engineer will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive quality excellence in developing cutting‑edge components for the photonics and Aerospace & Defense industries, while proactively engaging with customers and suppliers to ensure and advance Attalon's continued success.

The successful candidate will have quality assurance/control experience in advanced manufacturing environments, preferably in the semiconductor industry.

• Managing Customer Quality Issues
• Developing and implementing quality standards
• Developing corrective actions, solutions, and improvements from customer concerns and internal rejections
• Ensuring that workflows, processes, and products comply with human and product safety standards and regulations
• Inspecting and testing materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure quality specifications are met
• Collaborating with operations managers to implement controls and improvements
• Supporting the Customer Return Process (RMAs)
• Understanding the Products and Testing Processes
• Providing management support during 3rd party and customer audits
• Supervising, Developing, and Training Quality department employees
• Maintaining up to date knowledge of any new regulatory requirements affecting quality and product conformance
• Working with Continuous Improvement teams to provide information and support on Quality issues
• Serves as Quality Representative for the Product Development Process (PDP)
• Facilitating First Article Inspection Reports for Customers or Suppliers

• Willing to further knowledge base through classes, seminars, etc.
• Assisting the management team and provide QA support as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Material Science or related field required
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Quality or Engineering related position preferred
• Must be proactive and willing to develop a solid understanding of Attalon’s products and processes
• Ability to develop and communicate quality initiatives and directives
• Ability to resolve problems in a manner that builds trust and confidence with customers, both internal and external
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% as necessary
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, with experience in ISO 9001 and/or AS 9100
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems/processes such as 5S, Six Sigma, Kanban, Statistical Quality Control, Statistical Process Control, etc.
• Ability to perform Gage R&R and Capability Studies
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and team skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong PC Skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawing and specifications

• Prior experience in A&D or Automotive Quality or Engineering related position
• Certification in Six Sigma and/or ASQ Quality Engineering
• Certification as an AS9100 or ISO9001 Lead Auditor
• Knowledge of AS9146 FOD Prevention and ANSI/ESD S20.20 ESD Program
• Experience with Optics and/or Laser Diode components and products

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.

Flexible schedule. Start time between 6am-9am.