Quality Engineer

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant. Located in California's Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume. The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems. Supporting diverse technology sectors including semiconductor, telecommunications, and medical equipment, the Fremont facility offers a wide array of services including sheet metal fabrication, welding, painting and clean room assembly.

Job Purpose:

As a Senior Quality Engineer, you will be a hands-on technical leader responsible for ensuring operational excellence. Your role is to resolve complex quality challenges by developing and tracking KPIs, improving in-house processes, managing supplier performance, and guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System & Compliance:

• Maintain and improve the site's Quality Management System to ensure robust compliance with ISO 9001, TL9000, AS 91000 standards.
• Lead and participate in internal and external QMS audits, ensuring audit readiness and driving the timely closure of any findings.
• Own the site's Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program, ensuring effective root cause analysis and systemic solutions are implemented.
• Monitor and drive improvements for the Internal Defect Rate, Scrap & Rework Rate, Process Capability (Cpk/Ppk), and Internal NCR/CAR Aging.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams.
• Manage internal Corrective Action Requests (CAR) from initiation to closure, verifying the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement projects that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.

Supplier Quality Management:

• Develop and execute supplier management strategies to ensure the quality and reliability of incoming materials.
• Plan, schedule, and lead supplier audits to assess QMS compliance, process controls, and capacity.
• Issue and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) with suppliers, driving them to perform effective root cause analysis and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and collaborate with the supply chain team on supplier development initiatives.
• Own and manage supplier performance metrics, including PPM (Parts Per Million), On-Time Delivery (OTD), SCAR Cycle Time, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and Supplier Scorecards.

Metrology & Hands-on Inspection:

• Provide technical expertise in dimensional inspection, utilizing manual inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators) to verify product conformance to specifications.
• Operate, interpret results from, and provide technical guidance on Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R studies to ensure the capability and reliability of our measurement systems.

New Product Introduction (NPI) Support:

• Act as the Quality representative on NPI teams, participating in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and developing quality plans, PFMEAs, and process control plans for new products.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or other Engineering field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within a complex manufacturing environment (e.g., machining, electronics assembly, system integration).
• QMS Auditing: Proven experience leading or participating in internal and external audits for ISO 9001 and TL9000.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated expertise in structured problem-solving tools, especially 8D, and managing the full CAPA (CAR/SCAR) lifecycle.
• Supplier Quality: Verifiable experience in supplier management, including conducting on-site supplier audits and driving performance improvements through the SCAR process.
• Hands-On Metrology Skills: Required proficiency in using standard manual inspection tools and direct operational experience with CMMs (e.g., Zeiss Calypso, PC-DMIS).
• GD&T Proficiency: Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Statistical: Experience applying statistical methods such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), DOE, and MSA.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience interfacing directly with customers and suppliers on critical quality issues.

Desired Skills:

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• AS9100, TL9000 , ISO 13485 auditing experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model is highly desirable.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Salary Range (annual): $95,000 - $120,000. Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package.