Quality Engineer (Bilingual Mandarin)

Hounen Solar America Inc.; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hounen Solar America Inc. seeks a Quality Engineer to help develop, implement, and maintain quality standards for our solar module manufacturing processes in Summerville, SC.

The QE analyzes production data, supports RCA for deviations, and participates in CAPA activities to improve yield and reliability. The role collaborates with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to validate new equipment, materials, and processes, and to contribute to ISO 9001 and other audits, ensuring compliance

Qualifications

• :Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Materials Science).
• :Entry-level candidates encouraged; no prior full-time experience required.
• :Internships or co-ops in manufacturing or quality preferred.
• :Familiarity with ISO 9001, Six Sigma, SPC is a plus.
• :Solar/PV manufacturing exposure is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support SPC programs and analyze quality trends.
• Assist PFMEA and implement risk mitigation actions.
• Create and update Quality Controls, Inspection Standards, and Work Instructions.
• Support internal and external audits (ISO 9001, UL, IEC, etc.).
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Quality tools

Communication

Time management

Documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Job description

The Quality Engineer (QE) supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality standards for the manufacturing process. This role focuses on monitoring production quality, improving yield, reducing scrap, and ensuring that manufacturing processes operate within defined control limits.

The QE analyzes production and quality data, supports Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for process deviations, and participates in Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) activities. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve product quality and process reliability.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Process Control & SPC: Support and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs. Analyze trends such as Cp/Cpk and assist in identifying process shifts and potential quality issues.
• Risk Management: Participate in Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities and support implementation of risk mitigation actions.
• Quality Documentation: Create and update Quality Control Plans, Inspection Standards, and Work Instructions (WIs).
• Root Cause Analysis & CAPA: Participate in problem-solving activities using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone Analysis for internal non-conformances and customer-related quality issues. Support CAPA activities and follow-up actions.
• Yield Improvement: Monitor and report daily/weekly production yield, identify major loss contributors, and work with cross-functional teams on defect reduction and process improvement activities.
• NPI Support: Support New Product Introduction (NPI), including quality validation of new equipment, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Audit Support: Support internal process audits and participate in external/customer audits, including ISO 9001, UL, IEC, CSA, and TUV.
• Change Management: Review Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) with the Quality and Engineering teams to understand potential impacts on product quality and process stability.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned by the manager.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; exposure to statistical software such as Minitab or JMP is a plus.
• Basic understanding of statistical analysis, quality tools, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and communicate quality concerns appropriately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn solar module manufacturing processes and quality standards.

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline).
• Experience: Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Previous full-time work experience is not required.
• Internship, co-op, academic project, or other exposure to manufacturing, quality, or engineering environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, Six Sigma, SPC, or quality engineering tools is a plus.
• Previous exposure to Solar/PV manufacturing is a plus but not required.