Customer Quality Engineer

Ultra Clean Technology; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultra Clean Technology is seeking a Customer Quality Engineer in Hayward, CA. You will serve as the primary customer-facing quality representative, driving investigation, containment, and corrective actions to ensure products meet customer specifications.

The role requires applying 8D, FMEA, and SPC techniques, reviewing drawings and changes, and supporting audits and CAPA processes. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required, with ISO 9001 exposure a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related).
• Experience with quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, root cause analysis, and basic statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of inspection methods, sampling plans, and SPC.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting (Excel or similar tools).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present information to customers.
• Ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously and work in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for customer quality issues, including product, process, and compliance concerns.
• Lead customer-reported defect investigations, including containment, root cause analysis, and 8D or equivalent problem-solving reports within defined cycle times.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding quality escapes, material holds, purges, or recalls, as applicable.
• Support achievement of customer quality scorecards, KPIs, and performance objectives.
• Prepare and deliver customer-facing presentations, reports, and action plans.
• Develop, review, and apply inspection and test plans for incoming materials, in-process operations, and finished products or subassemblies.
• Perform analysis of quality data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Support production part qualification activities, including FAIR, customer-specific qualification packages, and documentation review.
• Review drawings, specifications, and changes to ensure quality requirements are understood and implemented.
• Support audits and CAPA process across internal, external, and customer sessions.
• Assist in maintaining ISO 9001 and customer-specific quality system compliance.
• Document procedures and records to meet regulatory, customer, and industry standards.
• Drive CAPA from initiation through verification of effectiveness.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

Quality engineering principles

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem-solving

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

ISO 9001 auditor (nice to have)

GD&T knowledge

Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen training or certification

Tools

8D process

FMEA

SPC

Inspection methods

Job description

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Join UCT and be part of the fastest-growing sector in the world! We indirectly touch every semiconductor chip that goes into every smartphone, smart car, and device that uses artificial intelligence. This is a critical time for the semiconductor industry and for UCT - as technology evolves, we evolve with it. UCT is a diverse workplace where every talented employee is committed to continuous innovation, challenging the status quo and exceeding customer expectations. If you are a person with a relentless drive to succeed, a strong focus on quality with a passion for success – join us today!

UCT is looking for a talented Customer Quality Engineer to join us in Hayward, CA!

The Customer Quality Engineer (CQE) is responsible for ensuring compliance with manufacturing processes and products meet internal quality standards and customer requirements. This role serves as a key customer-facing quality representative, supporting failure analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective/preventive actions and audit management. The CQE partners with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, support audits and part qualification activities, and drive continuous improvement using data-driven and structured problem-solving methods, maintain strong customer relationships, and ensure achievement of quality scorecards and performance objectives.

The CQE must be able to interpret customer specifications requirements, and apply appropriate quality tools, inspection methodologies, and process controls to ensure compliance and high performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for customer quality issues, including product, process, and compliance concerns.
• Lead customer-reported defect investigations, including containment, root cause analysis, and completion of 8D or equivalent problem-solving reports within defined cycle times.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding quality escapes, material holds, purges, or recalls, as applicable.
• Support achievement of customer quality scorecards, KPIs, and performance objectives.
• Prepare and deliver customer-facing presentations, reports, and action plans.
• Develop, review, and apply inspection and test plans for incoming materials, in-process operations, and finished products or subassemblies.
• Perform analysis of quality data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Support production part qualification activities, including First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), customer-specific qualification packages, and documentation review.
• Review drawings, specifications, and changes (ECR/ECO/ECN) to ensure quality requirements are understood and implemented.
• Support and participate in internal, external, and customer audits, including preparation, execution, and follow-up of corrective actions.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific quality system requirements.
• Document procedures and records are necessary to meet regulatory, customer, and industry standards.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) from initiation through verification of effectiveness.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and basic statistical analysis.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or 6S methodologies.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of quality engineering principles and preventive quality methods.
• Experience with quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, root cause analysis, and basic statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of inspection methods, sampling plans, and SPC.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting (Excel or similar tools).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to customers.
• Ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously and work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Educational/Certification Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• ISO 9001 auditor with experience a plus.
• Familiarity with GD&T, calibration systems, and measurement equipment.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen training or certification.

Work Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Customer Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Reliability, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience supporting customer quality issues and structured problem solving in a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Works in a manufacturing office environment.

Physical Demands

• Infrequent lifting of 10–20 lbs.
• Prolonged computer and phone usage may be required.

Environmental Exposure

• Exposure to moderate noise levels and typical manufacturing conditions.
• May involve exposure to moderate noise levels from printers, faxes, computers, etc.

Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under laws and regulations.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $84,000.00 and $109,00.00/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, includingvariable pay and discretionary awardsin addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO (Paid Time Off) and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these additional compensation and benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.