Senior Manager, SQE

Agility's commercially deployed humanoids operate alongside teams in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers—tackling physically demanding and repetitive tasks while enabling workers to focus on higher-value work. With industry-leading safety standards and years of proven deployment data, we're pioneering a new era of automation that enhances human potential.

About The Role

Agility Robotics is looking for a Senior Manager, SQE. The Senior Manager will lead the strategic vision and daily execution of our global supplier quality and incoming material control frameworks. This role is responsible for ensuring that all components, sub-assemblies, and finished goods supplied by external partners meet stringent design, reliability, and compliance standards before entering the production lifecycle.

As a key leadership figure in Technical Operations, you will build and scale a high-performing team of Supplier Quality Engineers and IQC technicians, foster a collaborative culture of continuous improvement, and drive technical accountability across our global supply chain.

About The Work

• Strategic Leadership & Team Development
• Team Performance: Recruit, mentor, and develop a world-class team of SQEs and IQC inspectors/technicians, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes career growth and technical excellence.
• Operational Scaling: Define and execute the roadmap for scaling IQC and SQE operations to support new product introductions (NPI) and high-volume global manufacturing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Compliance to seamlessly transition products from design to mass production.
• Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) & Governance
• Supplier Qualification & Audits: Establish robust qualification frameworks for new suppliers. Lead regular Technical and Quality System audits to ensure partner capabilities align with product requirements.
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP): Drive the execution of APQP, including Part Production Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Control Plans with key global suppliers.
• Supplier Performance Management: Develop and monitor Supplier Quality Dashboards (tracking metrics such as DPPM, SCAR response times, and yield rates). Conduct regular Business Reviews (QBRs) with critical vendors.
• Incoming Quality Control (IQC) & Material Compliance
• Inspection Infrastructure: Oversee the IQC laboratory, ensuring appropriate metrology equipment, automated inspection systems, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are optimized for efficiency and accuracy.
• Sampling & Testing Optimization: Utilize statistical sampling plans (e.g., ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) to optimize incoming inspection workflows without compromising product quality.
• Material Disposition: Champion the Material Review Board (MRB) process, driving rapid containment, disposition of non-conforming materials, and efficient implementation of engineering change orders (ECOs).
• Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Analysis
• Corrective Actions: Own the Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) process, ensuring suppliers utilize disciplined problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) to identify root causes and implement systemic preventative actions.
• Lean Methodologies: Apply Lean Six Sigma tools to eliminate waste, reduce variability in supplier processes, and optimize cycle times within incoming quality workflows.

About You

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in Quality Engineering, Global Manufacturing, or Supply Chain Operations, with at least 3+ years in a direct management or leadership role.
• Technical Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or ISO 13485), GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and advanced metrology tools.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated expertise in statistical analysis, SPC, and disciplined root-cause analysis methodologies.
• Travel: Ability to travel domestically and internationally to visit supplier sites and manufacturing facilities. Travel up to 15%
• Authorization to work in the USA

Bonus Points

• Master of Science in Manufacturing Leadership, Industrial Engineering, or an MBA.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) or ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) / Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
• Experience managing quality within highly complex hardware ecosystems (e.g., robotics, automotive, aerospace, or advanced consumer electronics).

Location

• This is an onsite position at our Salem, OR office.

The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Agility Robotics is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions who work in other locations. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Anticipated Base Salary Range

$146,000—$189,000 USD

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of the following for full-time employees:

• 401(k) Plan: Includes a 6% company match.
• Equity: Company stock options.
• Insurance Coverage: 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, and short/long-term disability insurance for employees.
• Benefit Start Date: Eligible for benefits on your first day of employment.
• Well-Being Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time Off:
  • Exempt Employees: Flexible, unlimited PTO and 12 company holidays, including a winter shutdown.
  • Non-Exempt Employees: 10 vacation days, paid sick leave, and 12 company holidays, including a winter shutdown, annually.
• On-Site Perks: Catered lunches four times a week and a variety of healthy snacks and refreshments at our Salem and Pittsburgh locations.
• Parental Leave: Generous paid parental leave programs.
• Work Environment: A culture that supports flexible work arrangements.
• Growth Opportunities: Professional development and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Relocation Assistance: Provided for eligible roles.
• Annual Discretionary Bonus: Provided for eligible roles.
  

All of our roles are U.S.-based. Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States.

Agility Robotics is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, it is the policy of Agility Robotics to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Agility Robotics prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

Agility Robotics does not accept unsolicited referrals from third-party recruiting agencies. We prioritize direct applicants and encourage all qualified candidates to apply directly through our careers page. If you are represented by a third party, your application may not be considered. To ensure full consideration, please apply directly.

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