Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

Job Description

Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,600 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory.

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Summary:

Reports Into: Supplier Quality Engineering Supervisor

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will be in maintaining the quality of solar components received from global suppliers by conducting baseline assessment and surveillance audits, monitoring supplier key performance indicators, conducting product qualifications through Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and driving corrective actions should quality issues arise.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute supplier assessments and audits; recommend mitigation and corrective action plan for audit findings and drive quality improvements.
• Escalate to suppliers all cases of non-conforming materials detected during incoming quality control or during in-process quality monitoring, work with Procurement team regarding cost recovery or physical return of faulty batches.
• Monitor key metrics (defect rate, NCRs, RMAs, findings etc.)  and communicate with suppliers, as necessary.
• Quarantine defective batches of materials in case of supplier quality issues.
• Coordinate with suppliers and review documents related to Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) – review of product specifications, D/PFMEA, Control Plans, Bill of Materials, material and product data sheets, statistical process control data, (Cpk/Ppk Analysis), packaging, reliability qualification tests, etc.
• Ensure compliance of suppliers to relevant quality and product certification standards – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IEC 61215, UL 61730 and other applicable international and regulatory standards.
• As needed, support the proper training and qualifications to all supplier and internal employees on supplier and incoming quality management systems, procedures and continual improvement initiatives.
• Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned due to criticality and urgency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science with 1 to 3 years manufacturing experience in one or more of the following industries: solar, electronics, semiconductor or automotive.
• Experience in supplier quality, supplier development or customer quality function.
• Familiar with root cause analysis, process improvements and implementation of quality control measures.
• Great execution skills, written and verbal communication and project management skills.
• Willing to do 100% on-site work; remote work not possible unless on business travel.
• Willing to do domestic and international travel (up to 40% max).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Quality Engineering (American Society for Quality - CQA, CQE, CQM)
• Experience in high-volume data management and reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
• Fluent in written and verbal communication in both Mandarin and English.
• Intensive experience in statistical process control and analysis using statistical software (e.g, JMP and Minitab).

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.