NPI Quality Technician

Job Description

Under the direction of Quality Assurance, support new product introduction (NPI) projects by ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance with standards.

• Incoming material inspection:
  Perform inspections and measurements on incoming electronic components (such as PCBs and PCBAs) and mechanical components to ensure they meet engineering specifications.
• First-Article Inspection (FAI):
  Play a key role in the first-article inspection process, verifying that new product builds meet design specifications.
• Quality Control & Documentation:
  Help develop and maintain quality control plans, inspection protocols, and relevant documentation for internal assembly and inspection processes.
• Non-conformance management:
  Identify and document defects, manage non-conforming reports, and coordinate with engineering to initiate corrective actions.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis:
  Investigate quality issues to determine the root cause, using standard methodologies like 8D or 5 Whys to drive continuous improvement and reduce future quality defects.

• Support product certification and release for new products.
• Assist with quality assurance activities for NPI, such as process validation, risk assessment, and product release.
• Coordinate customer complaint investigations related to NPI products.
• Lead quality issue resolution, nonconformance investigations, and support product disposition.
• Assist in quality audits.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to meet NPI quality goals.
• Manage QA holds, inventory, and documentation related to new products.
• Perform statistical analyses to support quality control.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant procedures, specifications, and regulations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for NPI.

• Provide timely communication and support for NPI projects.
• Recommend improvements to testing methods and equipment.
• Lead NPI quality projects and support cross-functional teamwork.
• Adapt to changing conditions and elevate issues when needed.

• Follow safety policies and promote a safe work environment.
• Participate in Environmental Management System activities.

• High school diploma or equivalent; ASQ or Six Sigma certifications preferred.

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a quality or manufacturing environment, ideally within electronics manufacturing or a regulated industry.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and use inspection tools and equipment.

• Electronics and manufacturing: A solid understanding of electronics fundamentals, Surface-Mount Technology (SMT), mechanical assembly, and general manufacturing processes are essential.
• Quality standards and systems:
  Familiarity with international quality standards.
• IPC Standards:
  Knowledge of IPC-A-610 and IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 for electronic assemblies and handling moisture-sensitive components.
• ISO 9001:
  Working knowledge of ISO quality management systems.

Professional certifications, such as an ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or IPC certification, can be a significant advantage.