Associate Quality Assurance Engineer

Department: Quality • Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager

About the Role

Associate Quality Assurance Engineer responsible for corrective and preventive actions, root-cause analysis, process audits, and continuous improvement within a PCBA manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assign, monitor, and verify Corrective, Preventative, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit follow-up Actions (collectively referred to as Actions).
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop potential actions and implement improvements.
• Assist cross-functional teams in identifying root causes of corrective actions using root-cause analysis tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure execution of corrective-action activities.
• Verify the effectiveness of action implementations.
• Compile and analyze data regarding Corrective, Preventive, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit Follow-up Actions to identify systemic issues and monitor QMS goals and improvement opportunities.
• Work with buyers and suppliers to address quality and corrective-action concerns.
• Engage with customers to resolve quality and corrective-action matters.
• Serve as the primary owner of PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Conduct Layered Process Audits (LPA) at Level 1 and Level 3.
• Perform Non-quality Functions audits and Production Support audits.
• Assist teams in determining the root cause of production non-conformances and defects.
• Track, evaluate, and analyze production non-conformance and defect trends.
• Support Quality Inspectors in ensuring process and product compliance with requirements.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager in enhancing the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Participate in QMS audits as needed.
• Provide support to the Quality Assurance Specialist and Quality Lead.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and incoming inspection to evaluate customer returns (RMAs) and assembly defect evaluations to determine root causes.
• Maintain the ESD program, conduct system audits, and monitor environmental conditions in relation to J-STD humidity and temperature standards.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource, conducting research and due diligence to provide accurate answers and effectively communicate findings with the team.
• Continuously seek process improvement opportunities.
• Act as a role model by adhering to and reinforcing Safety, ESD, ITAR, and QMS protocols.
• Actively participate in Lean initiatives, embracing change and providing feedback to ensure stability and sustainability.
• Exhibit strong leadership, mentorship, and coaching abilities.
• Maintain 5S standards and consistently look for process enhancements.
• Pursue continuous reduction of waste through efficiency improvements.

Requirements

• 6 months–1 year of experience in root-cause analysis, process engineering, manufacturing, or quality engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve quality issues.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across teams.
• Experience with PFMEA development, updates, and cross-functional reviews.
• Experience in PCBA manufacturing and quality systems.
• Experience with CAPA systems and quality metrics.
• Strong knowledge of root-cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, 8D, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-033).
• Experienced in leading or supporting internal audits, including layered process audits (LPA), and participation in external audits (e.g., ISO 13485).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering (Electronics, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related field.
• Experience with quality tools, including Control Plans, DOE (Design of Experiments), PPAP, and NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program).
• Strong knowledge of quality documentation and compliance requirements to meet division and customer quality expectations.

Pay

$30–$33 per hour.