Advanced Quality Engineer in Arlington, Texas at Salcomp Manufacturing USA

The Advanced Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality planning and execution activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs within an electronics manufacturing environment. This role ensures that new products transition from design to volume production with robust quality controls, full compliance to customer and regulatory requirements, and alignment with ISO 9001 and applicable industry standards. The Advanced Quality Engineer acts as the primary quality interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customers during product launch.

• Lead quality activities for NPI programs from design transfer through pilot builds and mass production ramp-up.
  
• Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and acceptance criteria for new products.
  
• Ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, documented, and implemented prior to production release.
  
• Prepare and report Quality Dashboards and related quality metrics to customers and project teams for product acceptance.
  
• Prepare and coordinate PPAP packages for customer submission according to project milestones.

• Participate in customer reviews to ensure product and process risks are identified and mitigated.
  
• Ensure lessons learned and quality standards are incorporated into new product designs and manufacturing processes.
  
• Support manufacturing process validation and readiness activities, including process capability, first pass yield, and defect analysis.

• Lead and support First Article Inspections (FAI), pilot builds, EVT/DVT/PVT builds, and PPAP or equivalent customer requirements.
  
• Ensure inspection methods, test coverage, and quality criteria are validated prior to production ramp-up.
  
• Review and approve readiness checklists, build reports, and quality deliverables.

• Partner with Supplier Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier readiness for NPI components.
  
• Review supplier documentation including Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), test reports, and capability data.
  
• Support qualification of new suppliers and components for NPI programs.

• Lead containment activities, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for NPI-related quality issues.
  
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving using structured methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, and A3.
  
• Ensure timely closure of quality risks prior to volume production release.

• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for customers during NPI phases.
  
• Communicate quality status, risks, and mitigation plans to internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Support customer audits, reviews, and product approvals related to NPI programs.

• Track and report NPI quality metrics including FPY, defects, escapes, risk status, and readiness milestones.
  
• Utilize data-driven analysis to support decision-making and improve launch performance.

• Ensure NPI activities comply with ISO 9001 requirements and internal Quality Management System (QMS) procedures.
  
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits related to NPI processes.
  
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and record retention for NPI deliverables.

• Capture NPI lessons learned and drive continuous improvement of launch and quality processes.
  
• Support standardization of NPI quality tools, templates, and best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Electronics, Manufacturing, or a related technical field required.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality within an electronics manufacturing environment.
  
• 3+ years of experience supporting or leading NPI programs.
• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes and PCBA assembly.
  
• Experience with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC-6012 preferred).
  
• Strong understanding of NPI frameworks (EVT/DVT/PVT, APQP, PPAP).
  
• Proficiency in FMEA, control plans, SPC, and risk management.
  
• Knowledge of ESD control requirements (ANSI/ESD S20.20).
  
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
  
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  
• IPC-A-610 certification.
  
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor certification.
  
• Experience in high-volume electronics manufacturing environments.

• Strong ownership and accountability.
  
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  
• Customer-focused mindset with strong attention to detail.
  
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

Work is performed in a manufacturing floor, laboratory, and office environment. Occasional travel to suppliers or customer sites may be required. Extended hours may be necessary during critical product launch phases.

The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the job.

Salcomp is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.