Customer Quality Manager

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.

But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.

We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Customer Quality Manager is accountable for the substantial timely management, tracking and coordination of any customer related quality topics in the US. The position ensures alignment and close teamwork with the customer quality team at the headquarters, supporting fast communication, a unified direction and mindset.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads, drives and tracks quality activities by supporting complete problem resolution of product failures with customer impact.
• Supervises and manages special projects with customer quality impact as needed or required.
• Initiates and manages the verification process of product problems or failures in a global network. Drives and tracks corrective actions utilized in the defined 8D steps.
• Manages, coordinates and tracks remedial actions with Supplier Quality Managers, Engineering, Service personnel as required in resolving product quality issues.
• Tracks and follows up on quality-related actions with all involved functions (Sales, Service, Production, Development) and escalates if deadlines are missed or deliverables are not met.
• Interfaces with customers to drive continuous quality improvement and facilitates customer audits or assessments upon request.
• Participates in on-site evaluations of non-conforming products in the field.
• Prepares documentation for decision making process within the global Quality Circle process.
• Applies statistical methods to track, trend, and analyze quality data related to non-conforming products reported by customers.
• Interfaces with international colleagues in the continual improvement of product/system/solution quality.
• Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor or management.

REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or electrical engineering (Master’s preferred) or related field, or similar education
• At least 10 years of experience in the customer quality management field in a manufacturing environment
• Expertise in 8D method for corrective action and the quality tools 5-Why, Ishikawa diagramming, and pareto analysis.
• Profound project management skills especially including action tracking and special project management.
• Excellent communication skills in negotiations with critical / opposing parties.
• Ability to present information to formal mid/high-level management boards on quality issues.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong skills in office suite: Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and statistical software packages.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Working knowledge in JIRA, Salesforce, SAP, and CRM is a plus.
• Acts with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Certification in quality management (e.g., CQE, CQA, Six Sigma).
• Experience in solar, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or similar regulated industries.

WE OFFER

• The salary range for this position is $104,000-134,000 per year, dependent upon experience  
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)
• Dedicated Hybrid Schedule: In-Office Tuesday and Thursdays; remote on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Opportunities for professional development and training  
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment 

Our EEO Policy 

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com