Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Novanta has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 132 workers, most recently July 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.

As a Senior Quality Engineer within Novanta’s Robotics & Automation team, you will support the optical encoder product line, ensuring product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement across mechatronic and electronic systems. This role includes responsibility for incoming, in-process, final inspection, and test equipment calibration activities. You will partner with cross-functional teams and suppliers to investigate quality issues, implement corrective actions, and support new product development and sustaining engineering efforts. The position requires a customer-focused approach, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple quality initiatives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Novanta’s Robotics & Automation team develops precision motion, vision, and automation subsystems that enable OEM customers to build advanced equipment used across industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, industrial automation, electronics, and life sciences. The team focuses on high-performance technologies including multi-axis motion systems, drives and controllers, encoders, and laser-based sensing, delivering integrated solutions designed for accuracy, reliability, and repeatability. Operating within a B2B model, the group partners closely with customers to embed these components into larger systems, supporting mission-critical applications that require tight tolerances and consistent performance at scale.

Primary Responsibilities

Customer Quality

Support RMA investigations and communicate findings using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys)

Drive corrective and preventive actions to address root cause and improve product performance

Participate in continuous improvement efforts using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies

Supplier Quality

Identify and communicate supplier quality issues and drive resolution in collaboration with the Supplier Quality team

Lead MRB activities and contribute to scrap reduction initiatives

Support supplier corrective actions and follow issues through to closure

Support PPAP deliverables internally and within the supply chain

Quality Control

Develop and implement risk-based sampling plans aligned with product criticality and quality requirements

Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and maintain product qualification and validation records

Lead nonconforming product investigations and drive timely disposition of MRB material

Ensure effective containment, corrective actions, and closure of product quality issues

Lead scheduling and support of calibration and maintenance efforts of production test equipment

New Product Introduction (NPI) Quality

Support part qualification activities internally and within the supply chain

Assist with transfer of products from engineering to production

Participate in design and process risk assessments (DFMEA/PFMEA), V&V and Reliability reporting

Provide support for product compliance and certification requirements

Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving

Lead and facilitate root cause investigations into electronic component and PCBA failures, including field returns, internal rejects, and supplier defects. Perform detailed failure analysis of electronic PCBAs and assemblies.

Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including:

DMAIC

5 Whys

Ishikawa (Fishbone)

Required Experience, Education, Skills, and Competencies

5+ years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, or related technical environment

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Familiarity with quality control tools, inspection processes, and basic root cause analysis methods

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical manuals, and schematics

Exposure to ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 quality management systems preferred

Bonus: Experience CMM programming and inspection methods

Bonus: Audit experience with internal , customer and / or registrar audits for ISO 9001 and ISO 13485

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role will range from $115,00 to $130,000 annually based on full-time employment . Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc.

Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives. Incentives could be discretionary or non-discretionary depending on the plan.

Novanta supports all aspects of your life’s needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.