Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Vanguard EMS, Inc. provides electronics assembly services for some of the most critical systems on Earth and beyond. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, extensive manufacturing capabilities, and advanced information tools, we are committed to serving our customers, suppliers, and communities with excellence every day.

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer ensures that products meet quality standards efficiently and consistently. This role involves coaching and mentoring team members to take ownership of quality, fostering accountability, and driving pride in producing high-quality products. This is an onsite position located in Beaverton, Oregon.

What you’ll do:

• Problem Solving & Corrective Actions

• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production, supplier, and customer nonconformities using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys).
• Enhance the effectiveness of the CAPA process by reviewing corrective action requests for compliance, timely closure, and effectiveness verification.
• Risk & Process Management
• Evaluate and document product and process risks, implementing mitigation strategies such as PFMEA, Control Plans, and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish process controls that ensure product conformity.
• Develop KPIs, dashboards, and quality tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Continuous Improvement
• Lead and participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives, aligning with organizational objectives and AS9100 continual improvement requirements.
• Supplier Quality Management
• Collaborate with Purchasing to evaluate, select, approve, and monitor suppliers based on defined criteria and performance metrics.
• Manage supplier nonconformances through the Nonconforming Material Report (NCMR) process, ensuring proper disposition and corrective actions.
• Quality Management & Compliance
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
• Ensure processes meet regulatory, statutory, and customer standards.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits, ensuring timely closure of findings.
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement across all departments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485 certified quality management environments.
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with Lean concepts, process improvement, and structured problem-solving.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
• Knowledge of equipment and process qualification (IQ, OQ, PQ).
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC 7711/7721, IPC-A-600, and ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards.
• Proficiency with business systems such as MES, PLM, ERP, and MRB.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to handle objects, tools, and controls; reach, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Use of computer and telephone equipment; close and distance vision.
• Reasonable accommodations provided for individuals with disabilities.

Vanguard EMS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

This Job Posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities associated with this position.  Management reserves the right to modify and assign other duties as necessary

• Competitive salary and profit sharing
• 401(k) with employer match
• Up to 120 hours paid time off in the first year
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage