Assistant Optical Engineer Jobs Near Me

The Quality & Training Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining training programs that support employee competency, product quality, and compliance within an ISO 13485-certified optical manufacturing environment. This position serves as a key resource for employee development while ensuring manufacturing personnel are trained to consistently produce high-quality optical products.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive optical manufacturing experience, including advanced knowledge of lens mounting processes, quality standards, and manufacturing operations. This individual is passionate about developing people, improving processes, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and quality excellence.

The Quality & Training Coordinator partners closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Human Resources, and Operations leadership to identify training needs, close competency gaps, support quality initiatives, and drive employee development across the organization.

• Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve training programs for manufacturing, quality, and support personnel.
• Conduct training needs assessments and collaborate with leadership to identify skills gaps and development opportunities.
• Develop learning paths for new hires, cross-training, technical certifications, leadership development, and ongoing employee development.
• Select and implement appropriate training methods, including:
• On-the-job training
• Coaching
• Mentorship programs
• Classroom instruction
• Simulations
• E-learning
• Professional development workshops
• Facilitate instructor-led training sessions and coordinate external training resources when appropriate.
• Support maintaining standardized work instructions, training guides, presentations, videos, competency assessments, and other learning materials.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using competency evaluations, observations, testing, audits, and performance metrics.
• Stay current on adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and emerging training technologies.
• Support leadership development and soft-skills training initiatives throughout the organization.
• Manage and maintain training facilities, training equipment, and educational materials.
• Maintain accurate training records, competency matrices, certifications, and curriculum databases within the organization's Learning Management System (LMS) or equivalent training platform.

• Perform process audits to verify compliance with established manufacturing procedures.
• Perform product audits to ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Conduct Total Quality Certification (TQC) evaluations.
• Participate in internal quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives as needed..
• Assist with investigations related to nonconforming products and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support root cause analysis activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Promote adherence to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Assist in developing and updating quality documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training documents.
• Support readiness for internal, customer, and regulatory audits.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in optical manufacturing processes with an emphasis on lens mounting.
• Provide technical coaching to manufacturing associates to improve product quality, efficiency, and workmanship.
• Support implementation of new manufacturing processes, equipment, and product introductions by developing associated training materials.
• Partner with Engineering and Production teams to standardize best practices and reduce variation.

• Analyze quality and training data to identify trends and recommend improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Track training effectiveness through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as certification rates, audit findings, quality metrics, and employee competency.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that improve operational performance and employee capability.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Education, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in optical manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of optical lens mounting processes.
• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.
• Proven experience with on-the-job coaching, mentoring programs, instructor-led training, and e-learning.
• Experience assessing training needs and managing the complete training lifecycle, including planning, development, implementation, delivery, and evaluation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience conducting process and product audits.
• Strong understanding of quality tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) and web-based training platforms.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with the capability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other SaaS-based business applications.

• Certified Trainer, Training Specialist, or Instructional Design certification.
• Experience in medical device or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design principles.
• Experience with competency-based training systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.

• Leadership and Influence
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Quality Mindset
• Continuous Improvement
• Organizational Excellence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Customer Focus
• Time Management

• Primarily works within a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to production operations.
• Frequent standing, walking, observing manufacturing processes, and conducting hands-on training.
• Occasional lifting of training materials or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• May require flexible hours to support multiple production shifts.  

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Improved employee competency and certification rates.
• Reduction in quality defects and operator-related errors.
• Successful completion of training plans for new hires and cross-training initiatives.
• Positive internal and external audit results.
• High levels of training effectiveness and employee engagement.
• Compliance with ISO 13485 training and competency requirements.
• Support of organizational goals related to quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.