SQE (Supplier Quality Engineer) – Job Description

Industry: Hounen Solar America Inc. PV module Factory

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: 145 Millenium Dr, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Reports To: Quality Manager

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for managing and improving supplier quality performance for photovoltaic module manufacturing materials and components, including solar cells, glass, EVA, Backsheet, Frame, junction box, and other critical raw materials. The SQE will work closely with suppliers, procurement, engineering, and production teams to ensure incoming materials meet quality, reliability, and compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality management systems and procedures.

· Prepare and maintain supplier acceptance criteria in compliance with company protocol.

· Conduct supplier qualification, audits, assessments, and performance evaluations.

· Monitor supplier quality KPIs such as incoming defect rate, corrective action closure, and on-time quality performance.

· Lead supplier corrective and preventive actions (SCAR/CAPA) for quality issues.

· Collaborate with suppliers to improve process capability, product consistency, and manufacturing reliability.

· Review and approve PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC data, and other quality documentation.

· Support incoming quality control (IQC) and resolve material-related issues affecting production.

· Participate in new supplier development and component localization projects.

· Coordinate failure analysis and root cause investigations for supplier-related defects.

· Ensure supplier compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IEC standards, RoHS, REACH, and customer requirements.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce supplier defects and improve product yield.

· Support customer audits and certification activities related to supplier quality.

· Prepare quality reports, supplier scorecards, and management presentations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

· Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quality Management, or related fields.

Experience

· Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Manufacturing Quality.

· Experience in photovoltaic/solar industry or semiconductor/electronics manufacturing is preferred.

· Familiarity with PV module materials such as solar cells, glass, encapsulants, backsheet, aluminum frame, and junction box is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies:

• 8D
• FMEA
• SPC
• MSA
• APQP
• PPAP
• Root Cause Analysis
• Six Sigma tools

· Understanding of ISO quality systems and supplier audit processes.

· Knowledge of PV module manufacturing processes and reliability testing is an advantage.

· Ability to read technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documents.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality data analysis tools.

Soft Skills

· Strong communication and supplier management skills.

· Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.

· Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

· Strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail.

· Willingness to travel for supplier audits and inspections.

· Fluent in English (written and spoken). Fluency in Chinese (written and spoken) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

· Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma certification preferred.

· Experience with international suppliers and global supply chain management.

· Knowledge of IEC 61215 / IEC 61730 standards is a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Supplier Incoming Quality Rate (PPM)

· Supplier Corrective Action Closure Rate

· Supplier Audit Score

· Material Yield Improvement

· Customer Complaint Reduction

· On-Time Supplier Quality Response Rate

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person