Associate Quality Assurance Engineer

Silicon Forest Electronics, a subsidiary of Impact Electronic Solutions; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 49,593; Full time

Job summary

Silicon Forest Electronics is seeking an Associate Quality Assurance Engineer in Vancouver, WA to join the Quality team. You will report to the Quality Assurance Manager and handle corrective actions, PFMEA ownership, and cross-functional improvements to ensure product quality.

Responsibilities include root cause analysis, conducting LPA audits, coordinating CAPA activities, and supporting suppliers and customers on quality issues while maintaining QMS goals and 5S standards.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have hands-on experience with root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Experience developing PFMEA and participating in cross-functional reviews.
• Familiarity with CAPA systems and quality metrics is preferred.
• Experience in PCBA manufacturing or similar quality environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead corrective and preventive actions and track follow-ups.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement improvements.
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and monitor QMS goals.
• Coordinate with suppliers and customers on quality issues.
• Own PFMEA and conduct layered process audits (LPA).
• Support manufacturing in root cause identification for non-conformances.
• Assist in audits and maintain 5S and environmental standards.

Skills

Root cause analysis

5 Why / 8D problem solving

Quality improvement

Team collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Associate degree in Engineering

Tools

PFMEA

LPA audits

CAPA systems

J-STD standards

Job description

Position Title: Associate Quality Assurance Engineer

Department: Quality

Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager

Salary Range: $30-$36

Principal Accountabilities

• Assign, monitor, and verify Corrective, Preventative, Supplier, Complaint, and Audit follow-up Actions (referred to as 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.

Production Support

• 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.

Quality Management

• 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.

Return Materials

• 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.

General Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 months to 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.)
  • 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).

Preferred Qualifications

• 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).

Preferred Competencies

• 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.

As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, Impact ES Vancouver conducts background checks on all final candidates. These 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.