Quality Engineer

Hughes Circuits Inc; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 63,369; Full time

Job summary

Hughes Circuits Inc in San Marcos, CA, is seeking a dedicated Quality Engineer to ensure high quality in electronic manufacturing. Responsibilities include managing quality systems and conducting rigorous testing & validation.

The candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with 3-5 years of relevant experience. This full-time, onsite role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in quality engineering or a closely related role.
• Proven experience conducting failure analysis and driving CAPA.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain quality management systems for PCBAs.
• Create and execute inspection plans for compliance with IPC standards.
• Lead defect analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Understanding of IPC standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Quality control tools

Job description

Department: Assembly
Reports To: Director of Quality
Position Type: Onsite - Full-time [40 hours per week]
Shift Hours: First 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Hourly Rate: $40 - $46 based on experience

Position Description

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to join our dynamic team, focused on delivering high-quality electronic manufacturing products. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of our electronics through rigorous testing and validation processes, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of our engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain quality management systems for PCBAs and electronic assemblies
• Create and execute inspection plans for incoming, in-process, and final products, ensuring compliance with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• Lead defect analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective/preventative actions for common assembly issues
• Monitor production data, yield, and defect trends using SPC tools to drive continuous improvement
• Support SMT and THT assembly processes, control plans, PFMEA and work instructions
• Manage nonconforming materials, perform audits, and evaluate suppliers including corrective actions
• Train operators and inspectors on quality standards and best practices
• Ensure proper calibration of test equipment, maintain ESD controls, follow safety protocols, and uphold 5S standards
• Prepare and present quality reports and metrics to management and customers
• Comply with all company policies and perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3-5 years of experience in quality engineering or a closely related role
• Proven experience conducting failure analysis, root cause investigations, and driving Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA), preferably using structured methodologies
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast‑paced environment

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Military/Aerospace & High Reliability experience
• Knowledge of IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 standards for electronic assembly
• Professional quality certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma, or equivalent

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Expertise in test automation and performance testing
• Proficient in quality control tools
• Experience with document control systems and quality management systems
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes

Other Skills and Cultural Fit

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
• Positive attitude and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to take constructive feedback and apply it to enhance performance
• Detail‑oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high‑quality results

Required Internal Training

• HCI Orientation
• All pertaining process procedures that relate to job function

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit. The employee is frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, and tools. The employee is required to frequently reach with hands and arms, manipulate parts in repetitive motions; stoop, kneel; talk and hear.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to vibration. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hughes Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.