What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Manager position at SIGNATURE SOLAR LLC?
We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the quality assurance and control function at our contract manufacturing facility focused on high-reliability solar industry products for renewable energy applications. The ideal candidate will drive a culture of continuous improvement, ensure compliance with ISO 9001, and achieve aggressive targets for First Pass Yield (FPY), defect reduction, and customer satisfaction in a high-volume electronics assembly environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain, continually improve, and lead the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, including internal audits, management reviews, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and preparation for certification/recertification audits.
- Own and drive improvement of First Pass Yield (FPY) metrics across incoming materials, in-process assembly, and final testing; target sustained FPY > 98% through data analysis, root cause investigation, and process optimization.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, PFMEA, Control Plans) to reduce scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality (CoPQ).
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) inspection procedures, including detailed work instructions, sampling plans (AQL), inspection checkpoints, visual aids, and go/no-go criteria for all production lines (module assembly, BMS integration, final inverter/box build, and battery pack assembly).
- Oversee all quality functions including Incoming Quality Control (IQC), In-Process Quality Control (IPQC), and Outgoing Quality Assurance (OQA) for solar inverters (grid-tie, hybrid, micro-inverters) and lithium battery systems (BMS integration, cell balancing, pack assembly).
- Provide real-time feedback and daily/weekly quality reporting to production supervisors, line leaders, and senior management, highlighting top defects, trend analysis, FPY performance by line/shift, and recommended immediate countermeasures.
- Manage supplier quality performance: conduct supplier audits, qualify new suppliers, implement incoming inspection protocols, and drive supplier corrective actions (SCAR).
- Develop, train, and mentor a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians; foster a quality-first mindset across manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams.
- Perform root cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why) for customer complaints, field failures, and internal non-conformances; implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Monitor and report key quality KPIs (DPMO, RTY, FPY, audit scores) via dashboards and monthly management reviews.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by reviewing designs for manufacturability (DFM), establishing quality plans, and validating production processes (PQPs, FAI).
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations for solar inverters and lithium batteries (e.g., safety, EMC, environmental/RoHS/REACH).
- Act as the primary quality interface with OEM customers and coordinate customer audits.
- All other duties are assigned.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to implement data-driven solutions.
- Effective leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and driving continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex quality-related concepts to different departments and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across several product lines.
- Proficiency in risk management and the ability to foresee and mitigate potential quality issues.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
- Minimum 5-7 years of progressive quality management experience preferably with experience in electronics manufacturing of power electronics such as, solar inverters, EV/ESS battery packs, or similar high-reliability products.
- Proven track record of improving FPY, reducing defects, leading ISO 9001 implementations or recertifications, and creating/maintaining effective IPQC systems.
- Strong knowledge of quality tools (SPC, MSA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
- Hands-on experience writing clearly, visual IPQC inspection procedures and delivering actionable feedback to production teams.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to influence without direct authority.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Minitab, Excel, Power BI) and ERP/MES systems.
Physical Requirements:
- This position may require the ability to perform tasks that involve standing, walking, lifting 50 lbs, bending, stooping, computer work, working with live electricity, and other physical activities. Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation.
EEO Statement:
Solar 76 is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.