Quality Engineer

The Quality Engineer ensures that all printed circuit boards produced meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards. This role supports day-to-day manufacturing, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and provides technical expertise in process control, inspection, and root-cause analysis. In a small PCB facility, the Quality Engineer is hands-on, working closely with production, engineering, and customers to identify issues and maintain high product reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Control & Inspection

• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection plans for PCB fabrication and assembly (incoming, in-process, and final).
• Program, operate, or support inspection tools such as AOI, X-ray, microscopes, measurement instruments, and electrical test.
• Verify compliance with IPC specifications (e.g., IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and customer requirements.
• Review and approve first-article inspections and production documentation.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (AS9100 / ISO 9001).
• Ensure documentation accuracy: work instructions, SOPs, control plans, forms, and quality records.
• Support internal and external audits; manage corrective actions and follow-up.

Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions

• Lead investigations into defects, non-conformances, yield issues, and customer complaints.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC, PFMEA).
• Develop and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Process Control & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor process capability and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support engineering with new product introduction (NPI), design for manufacturability (DFM), and process validation.
• Train operators and inspectors on quality standards, processes, and inspection techniques.

Customer & Supplier Interface

• Communicate with customers regarding quality requirements, documentation, and issue resolution.
• Manage supplier quality for critical materials (laminates, solder, components, chemicals).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Materials) or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in PCB or PCBA manufacturing required.
• Understanding of IPC standards and PCB manufacturing processes (drilling, plating, imaging, etching, solder mask, assembly).
• Experience with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement methods.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with basic measurement tools and statistical analysis.

Preferred

• Experience with ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality systems.
• Knowledge of APQP, FMEA, control plans, and SPC.
• Familiarity with GD&T and CAD or CAM tools.
• Certifications such as IPC-A-600/610/620, Six Sigma Green Belt, or CQE.

Core Competencies

• Detail-oriented and analytical
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Hands-on approach in a small-team environment
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and customers
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Initiative and ownership of quality outcomes

This position is full time and on site work. We offer competitive salary and benefits package.