Quality Engineer

Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.

At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.                               

Silfab Solar is the North American leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-efficiency, premium quality solar cells and solar modules. Silfab leverages more than 40 years of solar experience and best-in-class technologies operating state-of-the-art facilities in Burlington, Washington, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Each operating facility features multiple automated production lines, certified to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard, and just-in-time manufacturing to deliver Buy American approved PV modules specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market.

We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.

Summary of Position

The Quality Engineer is responsible for the quality control of products and processes for Silfab Solar. According to the established programs, the Quality Engineer performs the control on the status of the quality management system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop processes, test procedures and implement systems that ensure the solar modules and processes fulfill quality standards, meet safety regulations and client expectations.
• Develop quality controls and Standard Work Instructions (SWI’s) in cooperation with the management team
• Monitor the variations in scraps products and raw materials (out of spec) that are rejected at the various steps of production flow; make statistical evaluations and define corrective actions; lead root cause/corrective action activities
• Use in-depth analysis to suggest improvements of the quality controls and SWI’s in order to reduce scraps and improve the performance of the finished product
• Continually support and train the Quality Technicians, Lead Hands and Production Operators on SWI’s, Quality and Process issues
• Create statistical analysis and reports on the quality of raw materials and finished product
• Monitor and accordingly suggest improvements to the Leadership Team on the production recipes for the various steps of the process; implement approved improvements
• Develop, implement, test, analyze, revise and improve manufacturing processes.
• Prepare PPAP submissions and approvals (Customers and Suppliers)
• Perform root-cause analysis and apply corrective/preventive actions
• Champion Control Plans, PFMEAs, and related inspection and testing activities
• Maintain ongoing defect-prevention activities through FMEA reviews
• Involvement in design reviews internally and externally
• Perform process, system, and dimensional audits
• Perform dimensional layouts and MSA studies for new and existing programs
• Champion new product launches for all quality-related documentations
• Implement SPC and liaise with suppliers and customers when required, going to customer sites as needed
• Review supplier SCAR’s and 8D’s. Improve supplier quality training and working on action with the supplier
• Review RMA Claims for accuracy. Oversee RMA program in-house
• In collaboration with the Leadership Team produce and maintain all documentation required for the Quality manual in respecting the ISO standards
• Support the Quality Manager
• Respect and promote company ethics and operational values
• Be a driving force in continual improvement and corrective/preventative actions
• Ensure and continuously improve the quality standards of the finished product
• Contribute to reducing downtime in production and product defects through preventive and corrective actions
• Constantly enhance the motivation and team-spirit of all operational staff

Skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of team
• Strong project management skills
• Knowledge of all PV related certification including but not limited to; UL1703, IEC 61215, IEC61730-1, IEC61730- 2
• Knowledge in working with Lean Manufacturing/JIT, Six Sigma methodologies and Total Quality fundamentals
• Knowledge of SPC/FMEA
• Knowledge of reading Blueprint/GD&T drawings
• Highly proficient in Excel and advanced data analysis software: IMP, Minitab, etc.

Traits

• Proven interpersonal skills, including leadership, teamwork, and acting as a change agent
• Ability to work independently and achieve goals with minimal direction.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics related field or equivalent experience.
• Practical knowledge and application of statistical software packages
• Microsoft Office and Access Proficiency
• Minimum one or more years of experience in quality role, experience can be substituted for education, preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience as Quality Engineer in a high-volume, high-tech manufacturing environment preferred
• Module manufacturing experience preferred
• Certified Quality Engineer accreditation preferred
• Working knowledge of SharePoint, MRP and/or ERP systems preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday) 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Savings Account option
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program 
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Employee PV Panel Purchase Program