Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product quality and process control across SMT, server assembly, and repair/refurbishment operations. This role drives defect prevention, root cause analysis, supplier quality improvement, and compliance with customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

The position plays a critical role in protecting manufacturing throughput, preventing line stoppages, reducing RMA recurrence, and supporting high-reliability server and GPU system production environments. 

Leads defect analysis and drives corrective actions across SMT, system assembly, and repair operations. Partners with Manufacturing Engineering to improve yield and reliability in AI server production.

Support quality monitoring in:

• SMT lines (BGA, QFN, reflow, selective solder)
• Server system integration (rack build, high-power components)
• Repair/refurbishment operations
• Perform defect validation and classification per IPC-A-610.
• Assist in First Pass Yield (FPY) tracking and reporting.
• Support containment and nonconforming material control (MRB).
• Monitor ESD compliance in manufacturing and repair areas.
• Record inspection and defect data in MES/ERP systems.
• Assist in root cause investigations (5-Why, basic 8D support).
• Support NPI builds and First Article Inspection (FAI).

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why).
• Analyze defect trends impacting:
• SMT defects (bridging, insufficient solder, head-in-pillow, voiding)
• High-density GPU boards
• Mechanical fit and tolerance issues
• Recurring RMA failure modes
• Develop and maintain risk-based quality control plans.
• Drive yield improvement initiatives (FPY, DPMO reduction).
• Issue and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR).
• Support customer complaint investigations.
• Review reliability test results and field failure data.
• Support ISO 9001 Clause 8.5 (Production Control) and 8.4 (Supplier Control).
• Reduce repeat escapes impacting shipments.
• Analyze large-scale RMA and field return trends to detect systemic risks.
• Lead cross-functional corrective action initiatives.
• Lead supplier technical reviews and quality audits.
• Implement risk-based inspection reduction models.
• Integrate repair failure analysis into upstream process controls.
• Escalate high-risk quality issues affecting customer deliveries.
• Mentor junior engineers and inspectors.
• Support executive reporting and customer audits.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years in high-reliability electronics or server manufacturing.
• Experience with GPU/server manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of:
• Component reliability mechanisms
• Thermal and liquid cooling impacts
• BGA failure modes
• Field failure analysis
• Experience managing global suppliers preferred.
• CQE or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Core Competencies Across All Levels

• Analytical problem-solving
• Data-driven decision making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Understanding of SMT & system integration processes
• Reliability-focused mindset
• Continuous improvement leadership

Key Performance Metrics Across All Levels

• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Defect rate (PPM/DPMO)
• RMA recurrence rate
• Line stop reduction
• COPQ reduction
• Supplier corrective action closure time
• Audit performance (ISO 9001, Customer audits)