Supplier Quality Engineer Principal
Listed on 2026-07-27
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Quality Assurance - QA/QC
Quality Engineering
Job Description In the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA 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 1,500 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.
The Principal SQE Engineer is a senior technical position within Supplier Quality Management, responsible for supplier quality engineering activities related to photovoltaic materials, components, and manufacturing processes. This role requires close collaboration with Global Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process control, high product quality, and long-term reliability. The ideal candidate should possess strong knowledge of photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes, advanced quality engineering methodologies, supplier quality management expertise, and experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Supplier Quality Management
- Own supplier quality performance for assigned strategic suppliers and critical materials.
- Lead supplier qualification, supplier onboarding, and supplier capability assessment activities.
- Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability, quality systems, process controls, and production readiness.
- Develop supplier quality improvement strategies and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establish technical partnerships with suppliers and serve as the primary quality technical interface.
- Monitor supplier quality performance through data analysis and drive improvement actions.
- Supplier Audit & Quality System Management
- Plan and execute supplier audits, including:
Quality Management System Audits, Manufacturing Process Audits, Product Audits, Special Process Audits. - Evaluate supplier compliance with company quality requirements and industry standards.
- Assess supplier quality systems, manufacturing controls, inspection methods, and process capability.
- Identify supplier quality risks and develop risk mitigation plans.
- Drive supplier corrective actions and verify improvement effectiveness.
- Plan and execute supplier audits, including:
- New Supplier Introduction & Advanced Quality Planning
- Lead supplier quality activities during New Product Introduction (NPI), material qualification, and production ramp-up phases.
- Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including APQP, PPAP, Process Flow Diagram, PFMEA / DFMEA, Control Plan, Inspection Standards and Work Instructions.
- Evaluate supplier production readiness.
- Ensure suppliers establish robust and stable process control systems before mass production.
- Advanced Quality Engineering & Problem Solving
- Lead analysis, improvement, and closure of complex supplier quality issues.
- Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies: 8D Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Analysis, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action).
- Apply statistical quality tools to improve supplier process capability: SPC, MSA, GR&R, DOE, Cp/Cpk Process Capability Analysis.
- Ensure corrective actions are effective, sustainable, and prevent recurrence.
- Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Process Expertise
- Possess deep technical knowledge and practical experience in photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes.
- Understand key solar cell manufacturing processes.
- Familiar with advanced photovoltaic cell technologies, including: PERC, TOPCon.
- Ability to identify quality risks associated with…
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