QA Engineer

Sanmina; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina Newark, California facility is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive excellence in ISO 9001/AS9100 compliant operations. You will lead audits, CAPA, and process controls while collaborating with engineering on PFMEAs and CCBs.

The role emphasizes quality improvement tools such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, and Lean Manufacturing, with mentorship and growth opportunities in a high-technology environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years in a senior QA/inspection role.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.
• Experience with 8D, SPC, FMEA, DOE, and Lean Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Auditing & Compliance: Plan and conduct internal and external audits to ISO 9001/AS9100 standards.
• Corrective Action Leadership: Lead cross‑functional teams using 8D to resolve quality issues.
• Process Control & Verification: Review customer specs and develop QC Plans and checklists.
• Methodology Design: Design, document, and implement inspection/testing methods.
• Performance Improvement: Drive plant‑wide quality using SPC, FMEA, DOE, and Lean.
• Material Standards: Develop and maintain quality standards for materials.
• Nonconformance Management: Support MRB disposition and analysis of complaints.
• Engineering Collaboration: Participate in CCB and PFMEA development/refinement.
• Team Development: Train and mentor team members on quality improvement skills.

Skills

Auditing

CAPA

GD&T

Lean

Quality Systems

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

5+ years in Senior Quality Technician/Inspector role

Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world

Specializing in precision machining and metal fabrication, our Sanmina Newark, California facility has 15 years experience in both precision and large format solutions for industrial, semiconductor, clean technology and oil & gas markets. We provide comprehensive engineering and test capabilities: from in-house and hydrostatic leak-testing of medium and large format vacuum chambers to machining of precision stainless steel mechanisms. We have the capacity to machine components up to 3 meters. Our metal fabrication services include grinding, vacuum welding, heat treating, plating and anodizing. We can process many advanced materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, ferrous-nonferrous and other exotic alloys

Job Purpose:

Sanmina is looking for a Quality Engineer who is eager to solve problems and drive excellence. Whether you are a recent graduate looking to apply your theoretical knowledge or a Senior Technician ready to transition into a leadership-track engineering role, this position offers mentorship and hands‑on projects needed to build a long –term career in Quality Engineering. In this role, you will assist the Quality Manager ensuring operational excellence and drive quality improvement in advanced machining operations for our high technology customers. The Quality Engineer for this role assists in managing the ISO 9001/AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS), leads internal/external audits, and drives CAPA/root cause analysis.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Auditing & Compliance: Plan and conduct internal, process, and product audits to maintain compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards. You will also play a key role in supporting third-party and customer audits.
• Corrective Action Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams using quality tools—such as the 8D methodology—to resolve quality issues and address customer concerns.
• Process Control & Verification: Partner with the engineering team to review customer specifications and drawings. You will develop and update Quality Control Plans and checklists to ensure our processes are airtight.
• Methodology Design: Design, document, and implement robust methods and procedures for inspection and testing.
• Performance Improvement: Drive plant‑wide quality and customer satisfaction using advanced techniques, including SPC, FMEA, DOE, and Lean Manufacturing.
• Material Standards: Develop and maintain quality standards for processing materials into partially finished or finished products.
• Nonconformance Management: Support documentation and the MRB (Material Review Board) disposition process, including the detailed analysis of customer complaints.
• Engineering Collaboration: Participate in Engineering Change Control Boards (CCB) and assist in the development and refinement of PFMEAs.
• Team Development: Provide training and mentoring to team members on quality improvement skills and tool application.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

We value expertise, whether it was gained in a classroom or on the production floor. You are a great fit if you meet one of the following criteria:

• The Academic Path: A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or a related technical field).
• The Technical Path: 5+ years of hands‑on experience in a Senior Quality Technician or Inspector role, with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and measurement tools.
• Strong understanding of blueprints and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• A "detective" mindset—you enjoy finding the source of a problem and fixing it.
• Clear communication skills; you can explain technical issues to both operators and management.
• Proficiency with basic data tools (Excel/Google Sheets) and a willingness to learn Quality Management Software.
• Preferred a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in quality engineering or related area in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified environment required.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity