Quality Engineer Specialist - Semiconductor / Electronics

3M; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 124,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Quality Engineer Specialist to integrate quality principles into the design and development of electronic and semiconductor products. You will lead quality planning and risk management across the New Product Introduction process, ensuring robust controls before launch and applying data-driven methods to prevent defects.

You will collaborate with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, and customers, driving design reviews, qualification plans, and reliability testing to meet customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related engineering field is required.
• Minimum five years in product quality engineering within relevant sectors.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing, assembly, testing or electronics.
• Experience with structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis, plus quality tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality requirements for semiconductor products and processes.
• Lead quality planning and risk-management throughout the NPI process.
• Identify risks and implement preventive controls across design and launch.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to establish robust process controls.
• Participate in design reviews and design-for-quality activities.
• Develop and execute qualification and reliability plans; review data for conformity.
• Support PPAP, APQP, FMEA, control plans, SPC, MSA and other launch activities.
• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve customer complaints and product issues.
• Serve as technical quality contact for customers and prepare responses.

Skills

Quality engineering

Statistical methods

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Quality, Materials Science, Manufacturing or Engineering

Tools

FMEA

Control plans

SPC

MSA

Capability analysis

Corrective action

Job description

Quality Engineer Specialist

Impact You'll Make in this Role

This role is responsible for integrating quality principles, systems, and methodologies into the design and development of new electronic and semiconductor products. This role partners closely with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, and customers to ensure new products are designed for quality, manufacturability, reliability, and customer requirements from concept through production launch. The Quality Engineer Specialist will lead quality planning and risk‑management activities throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and ensure that appropriate controls are established before product launch. The position will apply data‑driven problem solving, statistical methods, risk analysis, and quality engineering tools to prevent defects and ensure robust product and process performance. As a Quality Engineer Specialist, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality requirements for semiconductor products and manufacturing processes.
• Support product quality throughout the complete product lifecycle, including design, development, qualification, launch, and production.
• Identify product and process risks and implement preventive controls.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to establish robust process controls and quality standards.
• Participate in design reviews, design‑for‑quality activities, and product risk assessments.
• Develop and execute product qualification and reliability plans.
• Review qualification data and determine compliance with customer and internal requirements.
• Support PPAP, APQP, FMEA, control plan, and other launch activities where applicable.
• Ensure lessons learned from previous products are incorporated into new product designs and processes.
• Utilize structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, 5‑Why, Fishbone, DOE, and statistical analysis.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in resolving customer complaints, manufacturing issues, and product failures.
• Serve as a technical quality contact for customers when assigned.
• Prepare technical responses to customer quality issues.
• Ensure customer‑specific quality requirements are understood and incorporated into internal processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve yield, reliability, defect rates, cost of poor quality, and customer satisfaction.

Your Skills and Expertise

• Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in Quality, Materials Science, Manufacturing or in an Engineering field.
• Five (5) years of experience in product quality engineering or quality engineering in private, public, government or military environment.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing, assembly, testing, or electronics products.
• Five (5) years of product quality engineering or quality engineering experience within semiconductor, electronics, automotive electronics, aerospace, or high‑reliability manufacturing in private, public, government or military environment.
• Experience with structured problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and quality engineering tools.
• Experience with FMEA, control plans, SPC, MSA, capability analysis, and corrective action.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent.
• Experience with semiconductor wafer fabrication, assembly, packaging, or final test.
• Experience with semiconductor reliability qualification and testing.
• Experience working with major semiconductor customers or contract manufacturers.
• Experience working on a global cross‑functional team.

Location & Travel

Work location: This role follows an on‑site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN or at the 3M Center in Austin, TX.

Travel: May include up to 25% domestic and/or international.

Relocation: May be authorized.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well‑being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially.

Salary & Benefits

The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience.

• In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.).

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

Safety & Compliance

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties. Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

EEO & Diversity Statement

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Additional Notes

Good Faith Posting Date Range 10/19/2026 To 11/18/2026 Or until filled.

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