POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the quality assurance and control function at our contract manufacturing facility focused on high-reliability solar industry products for renewable energy applications. The ideal candidate will drive a culture of continuous improvement, ensure compliance with ISO 9001, and achieve aggressive targets for First Pass Yield (FPY), defect reduction, and customer satisfaction in a high-volume electronics assembly environment.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain, continually improve, and lead the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, including internal audits, management reviews, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and preparation for certification/recertification audits.
- Own and drive improvement of First Pass Yield (FPY) metrics across incoming materials, in-process assembly, and final testing; target sustained FPY > 98% through data analysis, root cause investigation, and process optimization.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, PFMEA, Control Plans) to reduce scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality (CoPQ).
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) inspection procedures, including detailed work instructions, sampling plans (AQL), inspection checkpoints, visual aids, and go/no-go criteria for all production lines (module assembly, BMS integration, final inverter/box build, and battery pack assembly).
- Oversee all quality functions including Incoming Quality Control (IQC), In-Process Quality Control (IPQC), and Outgoing Quality Assurance (OQA) for solar inverters (grid-tie, hybrid, micro-inverters) and lithium battery systems (BMS integration, cell balancing, pack assembly).
- Provide real-time feedback and daily/weekly quality reporting to production supervisors, line leaders, and senior management, highlighting top defects, trend analysis, FPY performance by line/shift, and recommended immediate countermeasures.
- Manage supplier quality performance: conduct supplier audits, qualify new suppliers, implement incoming inspection protocols, and drive supplier corrective actions (SCAR).
- Develop, train, and mentor a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians; foster a quality-first mindset across manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams.
- Perform root cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why) for customer complaints, field failures, and internal non-conformances; implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Monitor and report key quality KPIs (DPMO, RTY, FPY, audit scores) via dashboards and monthly management reviews.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by reviewing designs for manufacturability (DFM), establishing quality plans, and validating production processes (PQPs, FAI).
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations for solar inverters and lithium batteries (e.g., safety, EMC, environmental/RoHS/REACH).
- Act as the primary quality interface with OEM customers and coordinate customer audits.
- All other duties are assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Experience:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to implement data-driven solutions.
- Effective leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and driving continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex quality-related concepts to different departments and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across several product lines.
- Proficiency in risk management and the ability to foresee and mitigate potential quality issues.
Preferred Background:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive quality management experience, preferably with experience in electronics manufacturing of power electronics such as solar inverters, EV/ESS battery packs, or similar high-reliability products.
- Proven track record of improving FPY, reducing defects, leading ISO 9001 implementations or recertifications, and creating/maintaining effective IPQC systems.
- Strong knowledge of quality tools (SPC, MSA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
- Hands-on experience writing clearly, visual IPQC inspection procedures and delivering actionable feedback to production teams.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to influence without direct authority.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Minitab, Excel, Power BI) and ERP/MES systems.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the ability to perform tasks that involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting 50+ lbs, bending, stooping, computer work, and other physical activities. Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.
