Sourcing Quality Engineer

Summary

The SQE is responsible for evaluating, and audting suppliers, while building deep expertise in materials, components, and supplier management. The role oversees communication with suppliers regarding material quality assurance activities to ensure that every material and component used in optical transceivers—including optics, semiconductors, PCBs, passive components, housings, and packaging—meets defined specifications and accepted criteria. The SQE Engineer ensures suppliers comply with industry standards, drives supplier capability improvement, manages supply-chain risk, and supports high-speed optical module productions such as 100G, 200G, 400G, and 800G to achieve high product reliability and operational efficiency.

Job Duties

• Conduct on-site audits for new supplier QAS and QPS, including process controls, documentation systems, reliability programs, and manufacturing discipline.
• Assess compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TL 9000, and applicable telecom/optical standards.
• Issue audit reports, identify gaps, and drive closure of corrective actions within agreed timelines.
• Lead qualification of new suppliers and new components such as fiber, PCBs, PCBA, ICs, and mechanical housings, etc.
• Review supplier process flows, control plans, FMEAs, and reliability test plans.
• Validate supplier readiness for mass production through on-site process verification and sample verification.
• Ensure suppliers meet environmental and regulatory requirements (RoHS, REACH, conflict minerals, laser safety classifications, etc.).
• Monitor supplier reliability performance and verify compliance with Telcordia GR-468, GR-326, and internal reliability standards.
• Track supplier defect trends, yield performance, and reliability metrics; implement improvement plans where needed.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives through process optimization and defect elimination.
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews and escalate risks when necessary.
• Collaborate with Procurement on supplier selection, risk mitigation, and dual-sourcing strategies.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2-7 years of experience in supplier quality, optical component manufacturing, semiconductor packaging, or high-speed electronics.
• In-depth knowledge of optical transceiver components, such as lasers (DFB/EML), photodiodes, TOSA/ROSA, drivers, TIAs, PCBs, and precision mechanical parts.
• Proven experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development programs.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, optical alignment processes, and high-speed electrical testing.
• Certifications such as CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt are a plus
• Ability to travel for supplier audits and development activities.
• Bilingual in English and Chinese is preffered but not required

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation package available within US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)