Quality Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CA

Department: Reliability

At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers, so they can make the world safer and more efficient. We've transformed LIDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip-scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high-resolution LIDAR sensors that deliver superior imaging at a dramatically lower price. Our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones and many other applications. If you’re motivated by solving big problems, we’re hiring key roles across the company and need your help!
 

The Quality Engineer will be a key contributor to Ouster's mission by driving world-class quality throughout the entire product lifecycle of our cutting-edge lidar sensors, from initial design to mass production and customer use. This role will focus on ensuring the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of our electromechanical, optical, and software-enabled systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process Quality & Improvement:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) processes (e.g., ISO 9001/IATF 16949 compliance) specifically for the manufacturing of lidar sensors.
  • Lead the application of Advanced Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) methodologies for new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes.
  • Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and capability analysis to monitor and control critical process parameters in manufacturing and test environments.
• Failure Analysis & Corrective Action (CAPA):
  • Lead and document Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for internal non-conformances and external customer returns using industry-standard tools (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).
  • Drive the implementation of effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence of quality issues across design, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Design & Product Quality:
  • Work with Design and R&D teams to implement Design for Quality/Manufacturability (DFQ/DFM) best practices.
  • Facilitate Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), including Design FMEA (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA).
  • Define and review product quality inspection plans, test procedures, and specifications for complex opto-mechanical and electronic components.
• Supplier Relationship Management: 
  • Build and maintain a strong working relationship with the contract manufacturer, acting as the primary point of contact for all quality-related matters. Facilitate communication and collaboration to resolve quality issues swiftly and effectively.
• Supplier Quality:
  • Support Supplier Quality Engineering activities, including component qualification, supplier audits, and monitoring supplier quality performance.
  • Ensure incoming materials meet specifications through robust inspection plans (e.g., Gage R&R studies).
• Reporting & Metrics:
  • Generate and present quality metrics, defect trends, and analysis reports to management and cross-functional teams.
• Training and Development:
  • Provide training and guidance to contract manufacturer personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and best practices to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
  • Train production and engineering staff on quality standards, procedures, and tools.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer in a high-tech hardware industry (e.g., sensors, optical components, automotive electronics, complex electromechanical devices).
• Proven proficiency with core quality tools: SPC, FMEA (DFMEA/PFMEA), 8D/CAPA, and Gage R&R.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 quality management systems.
• Experience in a production environment involving optics, lasers, or highly precise mechanical assemblies is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead technical problem-solving discussions across various departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certification (e.g., CQE, CSSBB).
• Experience with lidar, camera, or other high-resolution sensor technology.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).
• Experience in the scale-up from pilot production to high-volume manufacturing (HVM).
• Familiarity with environmental and reliability testing standards (e.g., shock, vibration, thermal cycling).

Working Conditions & Location

This position is based at our San Francisco, CA headquarters with expectation of some lab/production floor work. Minimal travel may be required to support supplier audits or remote manufacturing sites.