Principal Engineer-Quality

Microchip•Garden Grove, CA

7d•Remote

About The Position

The Principal Quality Engineer for Supplier Operations is responsible for leading supplier quality performance and continuous improvement initiatives across Microchip's global supply chain. This role partners with suppliers, factories, and business units to resolve complex quality issues, drive corrective actions, and improve manufacturing processes. Through supplier audits, failure analysis, and performance management, the position ensures materials and components consistently meet quality, reliability, and operational requirements. The role serves as a key technical leader in mitigating supply chain risk and strengthening supplier capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical), Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of quality engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supplier management experience within a semiconductor, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or similar regulated manufacturing environment.
Strong technical knowledge of Material Science and Mechatronics Engineering principles.
Experience leading supplier quality initiatives, supplier performance management, audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement programs.
Proven experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional teams.
Ability to solve complex technical and operational problems using structured problem-solving methodologies.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with stamping and forming processes, including tooling, die wear, burr formation, springback, and material flow analysis.
Experience with plating processes, including nickel, gold, and copper plating, and associated thickness control methodologies.
Working knowledge of GD&T, J-STD-001, J-STD-002, wire crimping, soldering processes, and special process audits.
Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC), root cause and corrective action (RCCA), supplier development, and systemic corrective action methodologies.
Strong understanding of automotive core quality tools and quality management systems, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, and VDA 6.3 audit requirements.
Familiarity with JEDEC, IPC, and Military Standard requirements applicable to semiconductor assembly and surface mount device (SMD) packages.
Experience working with global suppliers and cross-functional teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Professional certifications such as ASQ CQE, CQA, CMQ/OE, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Strong project management, coordination, and follow-up skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Lead supplier quality initiatives to ensure raw materials and components meet Microchip's quality, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.
Support Microchip factories and business units in the investigation and resolution of supplier-related quality issues through root cause analysis, containment activities, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
Monitor supplier quality performance metrics and scorecards, identify improvement opportunities, and drive supplier development initiatives.
Conduct supplier quality and process audits, ensuring timely implementation and closure of corrective actions.
Partner with internal Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Purchasing teams to evaluate quality failures identified during incoming inspection and production and determine supplier-related root causes.
Drive supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts utilizing established quality processes, including Failure Analysis, Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), Nonconformance Review Board (NRB) activities, and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, workmanship standards, and quality systems to ensure compliance with Microchip requirements and industry standards.
Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple Microchip sites to improve supplier performance, reduce risk, and strengthen supply chain quality.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship in supplier quality methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and quality system improvements.