Engineer- Quality III USA

Basic Job Functions

Defines, implements, and monitors quality systems to ensure the quality of materials and products produced meet required specifications.

Manages product and process quality systems according to company policy and ISO Standards, facilitating internal and external customer satisfaction.

Analyzes metric, audit, inspection and manufacturing data to drive detection, containment, prevention and continuous improvement activities.

Leads cross-functional teams of peers to resolve quality issues.

Strongly advocates for quality within the organization.

Education/Experience

• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline and 5 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.
• Master’s or PhD degree in a technical discipline with minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.
• ASQ Certifications preferred (Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or similar).
• Third Party Certification as ISO-9001 Auditor preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Demonstrates collaborative leadership style.
• Demonstrates strong passion for structured root cause investigation, identification, and permanent corrective action, implementation, and validation.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency and application of Advanced Quality Planning tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plan, Process Mapping, Gage Studies. Proven use of statistical methods (Six Sigma tools, SPC).
• Proven experience with MS Office including Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Experience with SAP, JMP or SAS helpful, but not required.
• Proven experience in third party quality management system maintenance (ISO 9001).
• Earns and maintains a high level of peer respect to be a leader in critical improvement initiatives.
• Must be an advocate for quality and continual improvement within the organization.
• May supervise quality technician activity.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Act independently and lead cross-functionally, with minimal management direction to execute the functions of the position.
• Responsible to define, implement and monitor quality systems and product control specifications in accordance with company policy and ISO standards.
• Apply advanced quality planning tools to drive the successful qualification of new products and processes.
• Work with the product and process engineering teams to perform process interaction analysis utilizing the FMEA approach.
• Drive identification of true root cause of non-conformances using analytical tools and processes and ensure proper permanent corrective actions are implemented, validated, and sustained.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and controls, focusing on the application of FMEA, process monitoring and SPC methods.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute action plans to achieve quality goals.
• Lead efforts to improve capability and capacity of manufacturing operations through new processes, tools and skills.
• Manage schedule of, and perform internal product and process audits; document and communicate results of audits.
• Develop and support new gauge methods for improvements to inspection methods and process controls.
• Participate in the production readiness process of new process and equipment designs.
• Earn and maintain a high level of peer respect to be a leader in critical improvement initiatives.
• Must be an advocate for quality and continual improvement within the organization.

Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Manager, Quality. This position may have direct reports.

Travel

0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range

(HR will complete this portion. Include “hourly” or “annually” after the amount.)

US Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.