Supplier Quality Engineer Principal

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Illuminate USA in Pataskala, Ohio, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. We seek a Principal SQE Engineer to lead supplier quality across strategic materials and high‑volume manufacturing, partnering with Global Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and R&D.

You will own supplier quality performance, drive qualification and on‑boarding, audits, and advanced quality planning (APQP/PPAP), and lead data‑driven problem

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field is required.
• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering in high‑volume manufacturing.
• Experience with supplier audits, development, and quality improvement activities.
• Global supplier management and international project experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own supplier quality performance for strategic suppliers and materials.
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and capability assessments.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits and assess quality systems.
• Drive NPI, PPAP, and production ramp‑up with suppliers.
• Lead advanced quality problem solving and data‑driven decisions.
• Ensure robust process control before mass production.

Skills

Supplier Quality Engineering

High-volume manufacturing

Supplier development

Quality improvement

Audits

RCA / 8D

Statistical analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SPC

MSA

GR&R

DOE

Cp/Cpk

APQP

PPAP

Job description

Job Description In the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate.

We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you! We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

The Principal SQE Engineer is a senior technical position within Supplier Quality Management, responsible for supplier quality engineering activities related to photovoltaic materials, components, and manufacturing processes. This role requires close collaboration with Global Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process control, high product quality, and long-term reliability. The ideal candidate should possess strong knowledge of photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes, advanced quality engineering methodologies, supplier quality management expertise, and experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Supplier Quality Management
  • Own supplier quality performance for assigned strategic suppliers and critical materials.
  • Lead supplier qualification, supplier onboarding, and supplier capability assessment activities.
  • Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability, quality systems, process controls, and production readiness.
  • Develop supplier quality improvement strategies and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Establish technical partnerships with suppliers and serve as the primary quality technical interface.
  • Monitor supplier quality performance through data analysis and drive improvement actions.
• Supplier Audit & Quality System Management
  • Plan and execute supplier audits, including: Quality Management System Audits, Manufacturing Process Audits, Product Audits, Special Process Audits.
  • Evaluate supplier compliance with company quality requirements and industry standards.
  • Assess supplier quality systems, manufacturing controls, inspection methods, and process capability.
  • Identify supplier quality risks and develop risk mitigation plans.
  • Drive supplier corrective actions and verify improvement effectiveness.
• New Supplier Introduction & Advanced Quality Planning
  • Lead supplier quality activities during New Product Introduction (NPI), material qualification, and production ramp-up phases.
  • Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including APQP, PPAP, Process Flow Diagram, PFMEA / DFMEA, Control Plan, Inspection Standards and Work Instructions.
  • Evaluate supplier production readiness.
  • Ensure suppliers establish robust and stable process control systems before mass production.
• Advanced Quality Engineering & Problem Solving
  • Lead analysis, improvement, and closure of complex supplier quality issues.
  • Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies: 8D Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Analysis, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action).
  • Apply statistical quality tools to improve supplier process capability: SPC, MSA, GR&R, DOE, Cp/Cpk Process Capability Analysis.
  • Ensure corrective actions are effective, sustainable, and prevent recurrence.
• Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Process Expertise
  • Possess deep technical knowledge and practical experience in photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes.
  • Understand key solar cell manufacturing processes.
  • Familiar with advanced photovoltaic cell technologies, including: PERC, TOPCon.
  • Ability to identify quality risks associated with photovoltaic manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.
• Manufacturing Process Improvement & Supplier Development
  • Work with suppliers to improve Manufacturing process capability, Product yield, Defect reduction, Process stability, Product reliability.
  • Analyze supplier manufacturing data and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Drive data‑driven quality decisions through statistical analysis.
  • Support process optimization and engineering improvement projects.
  • Promote best practices across supplier organizations.
• Supplier Change Management & Quality Risk Control
  • Review and evaluate supplier changes, including Material changes, Process changes, Equipment changes, Manufacturing location changes and/or Sub‑supplier changes.
  • Conduct quality risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
  • Ensure changes are properly validated and approved before implementation.
  • Support engineering change management processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Requirements: Master’s degree or above in Engineering or related technical fields is required. Preferred majors include:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Semiconductor Engineering
• Photovoltaic Technology or other related engineering disciplines

Professional Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) or related quality engineering roles.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in supplier development, supplier audits, and quality improvement activities.
• Global supplier management and international manufacturing project experience preferred.
• Experience in photovoltaic manufacturing or semiconductor manufacturing preferred.

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Illuminate USA, a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing factories in the Western Hemisphere. This 1.1 million-square-foot factory is currently in advanced stages of preparation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Illuminate USA is seeking highly motivated team members to help the company grow from startup to a full scale, industry leading manufacturer with $1B - $2B expected annual revenue and over 1,200 employees in less than two years. This will be a fast‑paced and exciting time in our history as we are building something great from the ground up here in central Ohio.

We offer competitive pay, benefits, ongoing career development opportunities. Come join our collaborative, people‑focused, and innovative workplace as we embark upon this unique and exciting journey!