Supplier Quality Engineer - Electronics

Title                                     Supplier Quality Engineer - Electronics

Department                       Quality

Location                             Niwot (100% on-site)

Reports To                         Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

About Us

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro-contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufactures in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.  We’re a growing technology company in Niwot, Colorado, the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  We offer an exceptional and rewarding work environment in a great place to live.  Our employees enjoy challenging projects in the development and manufacture of light scattering particle counters and diverse technologies and applications.

Your Impact

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer - Electronics who will contribute to the success of the Operations Team, applying their expertise in Quality to support the achievement of team and company goals and deliver innovative, reliable solutions.  In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate effectively with colleagues and cross-functional teams, demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

The Role

The Supplier Quality Engineer – Electronics will be dedicated to improving the incoming quality and reliability of printed circuit board assemblies sourced from key suppliers.  They will work with a sourcing team member as the key liaisons between our global suppliers and our supply chain, quality, design engineering, and manufacturing engineering teams in the pursuit of comprehensive upstream In-circuit and functional test coverage and defect prevention.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop strong process knowledge and working relationships with our PCBA manufacturers; visit sites regularly (Primarily Mexico and Thailand) to review quality practices and processes and work with suppliers to continually improve

• Evaluate and report on PCBA supplier performance via monthly business reviews and quarterly scorecard reviews

• Perform root cause analysis of non-conforming PCBAs and drive continuous improvement projects to reduce scrap, rework, and field (Warranty/DOA) failures

• Issue Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCARs) and drive effective root cause identification and corrective/preventive actions

• Collaborate with PMS engineering and manufacturing to build product knowledge and skill set to develop functional test fixtures for mature products for use at suppliers and/or use internally at PMS

• Develop best practices for establishing minimum test coverage and design rules to ensure PCBAs are testable using ICT, FCT, Flying Probe or other appropriate means

• Conduct supplier audits and ensure closure of all ensuing actions

• Act as lead for “first article” qualification of new and revised PCBAs

• Join NPI project teams (New Product Introduction) to ensure that adequate supplier-based risk-reduction has been performed prior to release of new products

• Partner with 3rd party In-Circuit and Functional Test development firms to define and execute test plans for PCBAs

• Work with key suppliers to support product transfers from Thailand to Mexico and form US-based prototype facilities to the longer term production locations

• Define incoming inspection plans for PCBAs

• ~30% travel required

• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Responsibilities may evolve over time, and other related duties may be assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the company

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher education in Electrical Engineering or manufacturing

• Minimum 5 years work experience in Supplier Quality Engineering

• Technical background or experience in PCBA manufacturing and fabrication processes, rules, technical challenges, and acceptance criteria (SMT, AOI, X-ray, ICT, FCT)

• Experience with cross functional team settings transitioning products from Design to Production

• Experience conducting supplier assessments/audits to ISO or other standards

• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

• Certification to IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-J-Std-001

• 5+ years experience in ISO Quality Standards and Quality Systems

• ASQ CQE or CQA certification

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This role primarily operates in an office/lab/manufacturing environment.  Must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time

• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. may be required

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $76,000 - $116,000 depending upon experience

  • Our compensation philosophy: we offer competitive pay based on market data, including local, national, and industry benchmarks.  For new hires, offers are generally within the established min- to mid-point of the range for the role, with flexibility to recognize experience, skills, and education.  Our approach ensures fair pay internally while remaining competitive externally and allows room for growth.

• Comprehensive benefits package:

  • Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, fsa, onsite clinic (CO employees), life insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

  • Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition programs, Employee assistance programs

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive