Associate Quality Assurance Engineer

Impact ES–Vancouver • Vancouver, WA

5d

About The Position

The Associate Quality Assurance Engineer will be responsible for assigning, monitoring, and verifying various types of actions, including Corrective, Preventative, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit follow-up Actions. This role involves participating in cross-functional teams to develop and implement improvements, assisting in root cause analysis using specific tools, and collaborating with teams to ensure the execution and effectiveness of action implementations. The position also requires compiling and analyzing data to identify systemic issues, working with buyers and suppliers on quality concerns, engaging with customers, and serving as the primary owner of PFMEA. Additionally, the role includes conducting Layered Process Audits (LPA) and non-quality functions audits, providing production support by determining root causes of non-conformances and tracking defect trends, and assisting the Quality Assurance Manager in enhancing the Quality Management System (QMS). Coordination of customer returns and maintenance of the ESD program are also key responsibilities. The Associate QA Engineer will act as a knowledgeable resource, drive process improvements, and uphold safety, ESD, ITAR, and QMS protocols, while actively participating in Lean initiatives and maintaining 5S standards.

Requirements

• 6 months - 1 year of experience in root cause analysis, process engineering, manufacturing, or quality engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve quality issues.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across teams.
• Experience with PFMEA development, updates, and cross-functional reviews.
• Experience in PCBA manufacturing and quality systems.
• Experience with CAPA systems and quality metrics.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, 8D, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-033).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experienced in leading or supporting internal audits, including layered process audits (LPA), and participation in external audits (e.g., ISO 13485).

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Engineering (Electronics, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related field.
• Some experience with quality tools, including Control Plans, DOE (Design of Experiments), PPAP, and NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program).
• Strong knowledge of quality documentation and compliance requirements to meet division and customer quality expectations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for continuous process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Assign, monitor, and verify Corrective, Preventative, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit follow-up Actions.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop potential actions and implement improvements.
• Assist cross-functional teams in identifying root causes of corrective actions using root cause analysis tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the execution of corrective action activities.
• Verify the effectiveness of action implementations.
• Compile and analyze data regarding Corrective, Preventive, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit Follow-up Actions to identify systemic issues and monitor QMS goals and improvement opportunities.
• Work with buyers and suppliers to address quality and corrective action concerns.
• Engage with customers to resolve quality and corrective action matters.
• Serve as the primary owner of PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Conduct Layered Process Audits (LPA) at Level 1 and Level 3.
• Perform Non-quality Functions audits.
• Assist teams in determining the root cause of production non-conformances and defects.
• Track, evaluate, and analyze production non-conformance and defect trends.
• Support Quality Inspectors in ensuring process and product compliance with requirements.
• Assist the Quality Assurance Manager in enhancing the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Participate in QMS audits as needed.
• Provide support to the Quality Assurance Specialist and Quality Lead.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and incoming inspection to evaluate customer returns (RMA's) and assembly defect evaluations to determine root causes.
• Maintain the ESD program, conduct system audits, and monitor environmental conditions in relation to J-STD humidity and temperature standards.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource, conducting research and due diligence to provide accurate answers and effectively communicating findings with the team.
• Continuously seek process improvement opportunities.
• Act as a role model by adhering to and reinforcing Safety, ESD, ITAR, and QMS protocols.
• Actively participate in Lean initiatives, embracing change and providing feedback to ensure stability and sustainability.
• Exhibit strong leadership, mentorship, and coaching abilities.
• Maintain 5S standards and consistently look for process enhancements.
• Pursue continuous reduction of waste through efficiency improvements.

Benefits

• Background checks are conducted on all final candidates.
• Background checks may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, depending on the position.
• All background checks will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
• A candidate's background will not be used as the sole basis for disqualification unless it is determined to be directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree