We9re hiring a Quality Engineer to own quality across our supply chain and manufacturing operations. You9ll work with suppliers to qualify parts and processes, drive root-cause investigations when things go wrong, and build the quality systems that let us scale without sacrificing reliability. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who likes being on the factory floor and at supplier sites as much as at a desk.
This role is based in our Austin, TX facility. Relocation is required, and relocation assistance will be provided if necessary.
Key Responsibilities- Own incoming inspection, in-process, and final quality for assigned commodities, sub-assemblies, and finished product
>- Partner with the supply chain team to qualify new suppliers - on-site audits, first-article inspections (FAI), PPAP-style submissions, and process capability reviews
>- Develop inspection plans, control plans, and acceptance criteria for purchased parts and in-house manufactured components
>- Lead root-cause investigations (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) on supplier defects and internal manufacturing non-conformances; drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure
>- Manage the non-conformance (NCR) and supplier corrective action request (SCAR) processes end-to-end
>- Partner with design engineering on DFM/DFA reviews and help translate design intent into manufacturable, inspectable specifications (GD&T, critical-to-quality features)
>- Track and report quality metrics - PPM, first-pass yield, cost of poor quality, supplier scorecards - and use them to drive improvement
>- Support new product introduction (NPI) from prototype through production ramp, including process validation and pilot builds
>- Build and maintain quality documentation: inspection procedures, work instructions, quality records, and calibration programs
>- Help stand up and evolve Exowatt9s quality management system (QMS) - we9re early enough that you9ll shape it, not just operate inside it
>- Travel to supplier facilities domestically and occasionally internationally (~20%)
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Required Qualifications- Bachelor9s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related engineering field
>- 4+ years of quality engineering experience in a hardware manufacturing environment
>- Hands-on experience with supplier quality - audits, FAI, PPAP, SCARs, and supplier development
>- Strong working knowledge of root-cause methodologies (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) and statistical tools (SPC, Cpk, DOE basics)
>- Fluency with GD&T and the ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
>- Experience with metrology and inspection tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, etc.)
>- Familiarity with ISO 9001 and the fundamentals of building or operating a QMS
>- Clear technical writing and the ability to communicate findings to suppliers, engineers, and leadership
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Preferred Qualifications- Experience in energy, aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, or other regulated/high-reliability hardware industries
>- Exposure to welded or brazed assemblies, pressure vessels, high-temperature materials, or thermal systems
>- ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, or CSSBB)
>- Experience standing up a QMS at an early-stage company, or taking one from ISO 9001 toward AS9100, ISO 14001, or similar
>- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
>- Experience with ERP/MES/QMS platforms (NetSuite, Arena, Propel, or similar)
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What We Offer:Competitive salary and equity options.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
A dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.
Relocation assistance.
