Quality Engineer (Bilingual Mandarin, manufacturing industry)

Hounen Solar America Inc.; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hounen Solar America Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer in Summerville, SC to support quality standards for solar module manufacturing, monitor yield, reduce scrap, and ensure processes stay within control limits.

You will analyze production and quality data, support RCA and CAPA activities, collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams, and assist with audits (ISO 9001, UL, IEC). The role emphasizes process control, PFMEA, ECN reviews, and NPIs, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Entry-level candidates encouraged to apply.
• Experience with ISO 9001, Six Sigma, SPC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support SPC programs and analyze Cp/Cpk trends.
• Assist PFMEA and risk mitigation actions.
• Create/update Quality Control Plans and Work Instructions.
• Participate in root cause analysis and CAPA activities.
• Monitor yield and drive defect reduction with cross-functional teams.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) quality validation.
• Assist in internal and external audits (ISO 9001, UL, IEC, CSA, TUV).
• Review ECNs with Quality and Engineering teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Excel

Quality tools

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering

Tools

Excel

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.