Senior 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.

Located in Silicon Valley, Sanmina Fremont offers a unique, single-location end-to-end mechanical systems manufacturing service. The facility specializes in low-to-mid volume production, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Its comprehensive, high-tolerance capabilities range from small parts to fully integrated and tested systems, including sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, manual/robotic welding, and advanced in-house painting. Powered by an accelerated volume-to-market model, the Fremont operation delivers highly flexible logistics, distribution, and repair services tailored to fast-changing customer needs.

It is an incredibly exciting time to work in fabrication and integration within the manufacturing sector. What once consisted of highly manual, labor-intensive machine processes has morphed into an era of robotics, automation, and complex engineering. Fremont supports the critical infrastructure driving the semiconductor, automotive, defense, aerospace, and artificial intelligence sectors. As AI transforms multiple key industries, Sanmina Fremont is leading the charge by building specialized server racks designed for AI workloads, alongside sophisticated cooling solutions to optimize both performance and energy efficiency. Sanmina offers diverse opportunities across various fields-including production, welding, design engineering, and account management. Working at Sanmina Fremont means collaborating with cross-functional teams and multiple departments to be an integral part of this dynamic and fast-growing industry.

At Sanmina, we cultivate internal talent and provide resources for everyone to thrive. Whether you are looking to build foundational skills or expand your existing expertise, you can leverage our Tuition Reimbursement program, master new software, and diversify your portfolio. We also offer vibrant platforms for professionals eager to lead, mentor, and train others.

As we expand our cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, we are looking for a motivated Senior Quality Engineer who wants to build a meaningful career and join our dynamic team in Fremont.

Job Purpose

The QA Engineer is responsible for supporting all quality engineering activities to support the product life cycle, from the introduction of new products (NPI) through sustaining changes. This includes auditing, verifying, and validating product designs and manufacturing processes, project planning, and applicable documentation, rather than actively participating in the creation of design specifications or manufacturing requirements. The position is responsible for investigating root causes, tracking defect trends, and ensuring systemic changes are implemented so issues do not recur. QA does not fix the process alone; instead, QA facilitates process improvements and corrective actions collaboratively with Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and Production. The position will also develop, modify, apply and maintain quality standards, and generate protocols and reports. The QA Engineer provides coaching to engineers and repair personnel on quality system requirements and process improvement methodologies for their product families

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and Production to facilitate process fixes, investigate root causes, track defect trends, and ensure systemic changes are made to prevent the recurrence of issues.
• Incorporate ISO, API Q1, and AS9100 standards through the product life cycle by auditing, validating, and verifying the required inspection and process control methodologies.
• Provide authoritative guidance about six sigma principles (Sampling, Acceptance Criteria, DOE, Statistical Process Control, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA) as well as guidance on Design Control elements to New Product Introduction (NPI) team members and Repair Staff.
• Develop and execute verification and validation plans and protocols associated with product/process quality according to ISO regulations and company SOPs.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously without supervision, including creating detailed project tasks, interfacing with team members, and solving project-related conflicts.
• Support supplier audits to ensure supplier capability including reconciliation of inspection methods, and evaluation of proposed vendor changes for NPI and sustaining activities.
• Perform internal audits of the quality system to ISO requirements.
• Support the CAPA program to facilitate the timely closure of corrective and preventative actions.
• Control, implement and review ECOs to ensure compliance to quality system.
• Estimate and gather necessary information on timelines and cost related to QA/QC tasks for Project Planning.
• Perform hazard and risk analysis for new products and sustaining products.
• Perform investigations for issues affecting product quality.
• Act as liaison between QA and project engineers to ensure that inspection process capabilities have been verified and appropriately documented.
• Review and analyze mechanical drawings utilizing SolidWorks for inspection planning and verification.
• Develop, implement, and verify inspection plans utilizing CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) equipment and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles.

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering or similar degree with 4+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry or 8 years of experience in lieu of engineering degree.
• 4+ years' work experience in a Quality Engineering role.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) standards on mechanical drawings.
• Strong hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), including knowledge of programming, operation, and data interpretation.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for reviewing 3D models, extracting measurement data, and interacting with engineering documentation.
• Experience in LEAN, Six Sigma and Process Validation.
• ASQ CQE/CSSBB or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of requirements for mechanical drawings and product specifications required to communicate requirements to suppliers.
• Strong working knowledge of design and manufacturing process controls.
• Ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices and inspection plan development.
• Computer literate in various software applications (i.e. - Word, Excel, Oracle).
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to create technical protocols and reports as well as manufacturing/inspection procedures.
• Independent organization and prioritization of multiple tasks.
• Ability to internally and externally discuss, and clearly define, key technical and process development issues and independently develop course of action/plans.
• Ability to cooperate and support team members and ability to coordinate interdepartmental activities and to resolve individual conflicts and issues.

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): $110,000 - $140,000. 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. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.