Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) Supervisor

Job Description

Illuminate USA, a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing factories in the Western Hemisphere.  This 1.1 million-square-foot factory is currently in the advanced stages of preparation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Illuminate USA is seeking highly motivated team members to help the company grow from startup to a full scale, industry leading manufacturer with $1B - $2B expected annual revenue and over 1,200 employees in less than two years.  

This will be a fast-paced and exciting time in our history as we are building something great from the ground up here in central Ohio. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and ongoing career development opportunities. Come join our collaborative, people-focused, and innovative workplace as we embark upon this unique and exciting journey!  

Job Summary:

Reports Into: Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

The Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) Supervisor will be responsible for supervising all aspects of the Supplier Quality Assurance function. This position will provide supervision to Supplier Quality Engineers in maintaining the quality of solar components received from global suppliers by conducting baseline assessment and surveillance audits, monitoring supplier key performance indicators, conducting product qualifications through Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and driving corrective actions should quality issues arise.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the SQE Manager in developing the annual supplier qualification and monitoring program for all key suppliers located at various international locations.
• Execute supplier assessments, audits and development protocols; recommend mitigation and corrective action plan for any identified gaps; drive quality improvements, as necessary. 
• Support the Procurement team with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities, along with Health, Safety and Environmental Management System requirements.
• Support the SQE Manager in driving a New Product Introduction Process and work with Supplier Quality Engineers, Process Engineering and Production teams for seamless introduction of new components into manufacturing lines prior to formal stage gate approval.
• Develop key metrics (defect rate, NCRs, RMAs, findings etc.), monitor and improve supplier performance.  
• Supervise and/or execute the review of supplier documentation through Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) – review of product specifications, D/PFMEA, Control Plans, Bill of Materials, material and product data sheets, statistical process control data, (Cpk/Ppk Analysis), packaging, reliability qualification tests, etc.
• Ensure compliance of suppliers to relevant quality and product certification standards – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IEC 61215, UL 61730 and other applicable international and regulatory standards.
• As needed, support the proper training and qualification to all supplier and internal employees on supplier and incoming quality management systems, procedures and continual improvement initiatives.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned due to criticality and urgency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science with 10+ years manufacturing experience in one or more of the following industries: solar, electronics, semiconductor or automotive.
• Minimum 6+ years experience in supplier quality and/or supplier development.
• Minimum 3+ years experience in Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and/or Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in managing suppliers located in both US-domestic and other international locations, especially in Asia.
• Strong background in quality management systems, preferably ISO 9001; certified lead quality auditor.
• Proven experience in root cause analysis, process improvements and implementation of quality control measures.
• Adept in New Product Introduction (NPI) Process with cross-functional coordination with Supply Chain, Engineering, Logistics, Program Management and Production Planning groups.
• Great supervisory skills, written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Willing to do 100% on-site work; remote work not possible unless on business travel.
• Willing to do domestic and international travel (up to 40% max).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Science
• Certification in Quality Engineering (American Society for Quality - CQA, CQE, CQM)
• Experience in high-volume data management and reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
• Fluent in written and verbal communication in both Mandarin and English.
• Intensive experience in statistical process control and analysis using statistical software (e.g, JMP and Minitab).

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.