Supplier Quality Manager

Overview

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy. We offer a hybrid work model with our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

The Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for leading and managing supplier development and quality assurance activities across a defined supply base. This role ensures suppliers meet company standards for quality, reliability, and performance through strategic alignment, qualification processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead supplier qualification, integration, and ongoing management processes.
• Coordinate and oversee First Article Inspection (FAI) activities with cross-functional teams.
• Partner with commodity teams to align procurement strategies with quality objectives.
• Conduct supplier gap assessments and manage corrective actions; validate improvement effectiveness.
• Perform supplier audits for vendor selection, onboarding, and continuous improvement.
• Plan, execute, and follow up on supplier qualification, process, and product audits.
• Manage APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) activities with suppliers.
• Support sourcing decisions and supplier portfolio management.
• Prepare and deliver periodic and ad hoc reports on supplier performance and quality issues.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using quality tools and statistical methods to improve CTQ parameters.
• Monitor and track supplier performance; recommend process and product improvements based on CTQ metrics.
• Serve as escalation point for high-severity supplier quality issues.
• Support cross-functional teams and task forces, including supplier claims management.
• Evaluate quality deviations, monitor corrective/preventive actions, and issue deviation approvals as required.
• Contribute to defining supplier-related requirements (contracts, specifications, supply chain, after-sales).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Equivalent education and professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in supplier quality or supplier development in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in international supplier management and auditing.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, 8D, FMEA, and quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001, etc.).
• Proficiency in statistical tools and methods (SPC, MSA, Six Sigma).
• ERP experience (SAP S4
  
  HANA preferred).
• Familiarity with business applications (Salesforce, JIRA, Jaggaer, MS Office).
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to report, present, and document in a customer-oriented manner.
• Entrepreneurial mindset; proactive and solution-oriented.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., CQE, CQA, Six Sigma) strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• Salary Range: $104,000-$134,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Dedicated Hybrid
  
  Schedule:
  
  In-Office Tuesday and Thursdays; remote on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national…