Job Description

About Us:

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance (SKDLA) is a nationally recognized leader in restorative dentistry, passionate about helping people smile with confidence. We partner with dental professionals across the country to deliver world-class restorations, advanced dental equipment, and trusted services that make a difference for patients every day.

At SKDLA, we combine craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to quality to create beautiful, lasting results. More than just a dental lab, we are driven by the belief that every restoration represents a person’s confidence, comfort, and well-being - and that’s a responsibility we take to heart.

Our operations are centered around two advanced Centers of Excellence located in Orange County and Los Angeles. This collaborative environment allows our skilled technicians to innovate, mentor one another, and consistently deliver outstanding results.

Overview:

The Quality Engineer is a key member of the Operational Excellence & Quality organization, responsible for ensuring that both external partners and internal processes deliver products that meet all performance, regulatory, and customer expectations.

This role blends Supplier Quality Engineering, customer experience analysis, and regulatory compliance, ensuring product reliability from initial supplier input through final customer use. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience managing regulated quality systems, auditing suppliers, and leading investigations to understand why a product failed to meet a patient’s or doctor’s expectations—translating those insights into measurable improvements.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Supplier & Partner Quality

• Develop, deploy, and maintain the Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) to ensure consistent quality and compliance across contract manufacturers, material vendors, and design partners.
• Conduct supplier qualification and capability validation through process audits, first article inspections, and documentation reviews.
• Establish and manage monthly supplier scorecards to track quality, delivery, responsiveness, and corrective action performance.
• Lead supplier Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and verify long-term effectiveness through data-driven monitoring.
• Partner with Procurement and Operations to evaluate supplier performance and support supplier development programs to strengthen process capability.
• Provide direct feedback and coaching to suppliers to help improve inspection techniques, process control, and documentation.

Product Performance & Customer Experience

• Investigate customer complaints and product dissatisfaction cases to identify root causes related to design, process, handling, or usage.
• Conduct deep-dive analyses on why a patient or doctor determined a product did not meet expectations—leveraging inspection data, production records, and supplier feedback.
• Collaborate with Customer Service, R&D, and Operations to define containment actions, preventive measures, and systemic improvements.
• Translate field data and customer insights into actionable improvements for product design, manufacturing processes, and supplier performance.
• Participate in complaint reviews, CAPA boards, and post-market surveillance activities to ensure thorough documentation and feedback integration.

Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with FDA, ISO 13485, or ISO 9001 standards.
• Actively participate in design reviews, design control activities, and certification processes to ensure compliance throughout regulatory submission and product lifecycle.
• Support Verification and Validation (V&V) planning, execution, and documentation, ensuring supplier and internal processes meet product specifications.
• Conduct internal and external audits and manage closure of findings through effective corrective actions.
• Create and Manage design history files for all regulated product releases
• Manage FURLS, GUDID database in alignment with Quality Management System
• Ensure employees named in Quality Management System are trained in accordance with job responsibilities
• Ensure supplier documentation, traceability, and record control meet all applicable regulatory and certification requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare for FDA inspections and third-party audits.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis

• Drive continuous improvements and demonstrate Quality Management System Effectiveness
• Analyze supplier and customer performance data to identify recurring trends and prioritize improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with Continuous Improvement and Process Engineering teams to incorporate lessons learned into internal processes and training programs.
• Support and occasionally facilitate kaizen events and structured problem-solving sessions focused on improving supplier reliability and product quality.
• Promote a culture of proactive problem-solving and ownership of quality across the extended value chain.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering or external manufacturing quality roles in a regulated or precision manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience developing and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS) in FDA- or ISO-regulated environments.
• Demonstrated experience with FDA design reviews, design controls, and certification processes.
• Proven track record conducting supplier audits, capability assessments, and scorecard management.
• Skilled in Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA), 8D, and DMAIC methodologies.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret data, detect patterns, and communicate insights to both technical and executive audiences.
• Comfortable managing multiple supplier relationships across domestic and international regions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to influence internal teams and external partners.
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or equivalent certification a plus.
• Experience in medical device, dental, or life-science manufacturing a plus.
• Knowledge of process validation, PPAP, and statistical process control (SPC) preferred.
• Experience supporting FDA inspections or ISO audits, preferred.

Why SKDLA?

• Inclusive Environment: We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming workplace for individuals of all backgrounds.
• Career Growth: Spectrum Killian is growing rapidly, offering new opportunities to advance within the company and across promoting internal mobility.
• Compensation and Benefits: We provide competitive pay and upon conversion to full-time status, employees are eligible to enroll in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401K: Full-time employees are also eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan with an employer match.

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $80,000-$100,000. Final compensation will be individually assessed and may differ based on a variety of factors such as your experience, qualifications, education, skill set, certifications, and other relevant considerations.

Become part of Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance, a trusted leader in restorative and esthetic dentistry. Work alongside skilled technicians in state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high-quality dental solutions that make a lasting impact. If you're driven by innovation, quality, and continuous growth, we invite you to apply and contribute to the future of dental care!

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