Supplier/Product Quality Engineer in Houston, Texas at ASCENDING LLC

Location: Anywhere in the US as long as commutable to a major airport
Travel: 30% - 50% to project sites, otherwise remote

The Product Quality Engineer (PQE) supports the Product Quality Manager by executing project-level quality assurance activities for utility-scale BESS projects, with a strong emphasis on Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and supplier quality oversight.

This role is a hands-on individual contributor responsible for planning, performing, witnessing, and monitoring FATs at OEM and supplier facilities to verify that critical BESS equipment meets contractual, technical, and quality requirements prior to shipment. In addition to FAT execution, the PQE performs field inspections, monitors equipment deliveries and installation activities, identifies and documents non- conformances, and supports corrective action resolution during construction, installation, and commissioning phases.

The PQE plays a critical role in early defect detection and risk mitigation by validating product quality at the factory level and ensuring civil, mechanical, and electrical installations meet On.Energy, contractual, and industry standards before mechanical completion and commissioning.

Job Description:
• Plan, perform, witness, and monitor Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and in-process inspections at OEM and supplier facilities for BESS equipment including batteries, PCS/inverters, transformers, switchgear, EMS, and auxiliary systems
• Review and approve FAT procedures, test scripts, and acceptance criteria in alignment with contractual and technical requirements
• Identify, document, and track FAT-related non-conformances and deviations; support Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions prior to shipment
• Coordinate and oversee third-party inspectors at vendor facilities when required
• Perform on-site quality inspections for BESS projects during construction, installation, and commissioning
• Support receiving inspections, delivery verification, and installation surveillance
• Verify compliance with drawings, specifications, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), and Project Quality Management Plans
• Identify, document, and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) in accordance with On.Energy procedures
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions prior to mechanical completion and handover
• Complete inspection reports, FAT reports, checklists, and quality documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain project quality records and digital inspection platforms
• Provide timely quality status updates, metrics, and supplier performance feedback
• Interface directly with EPC contractors, OEMs, and suppliers on quality matters
• Execute project quality processes aligned with ISO 9001 and PDCA methodology
• Promote a strong quality and safety culture at all times and work locations

Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, or Quality Engineering (or related technical field)
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering within the energy, power, or renewable industries
• Direct experience performing or leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for electrical or power equipment
• Hands-on experience with electrical power systems used in BESS projects
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, NCR management, RCA, and CAPA processes
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, civil plans, and technical specifications
• Willingness to travel up to 75% to domestic and international supplier and project sites
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experience with Tier 1 BESS OEMs and EPC contractors
• Familiarity with UL 9540 / 9540A, UL 1973, IEEE 1547, NEC, IEC standards
• Experience using digital inspection platforms and NCR tracking tools
• Electrical certifications or commissioning experience