Quality Engineer

 

Quality Engineer – PCBA Manufacturing

Rocket EMS is looking for a self-motivated Quality Engineer to support our PCBA manufacturing operations. This role requires strong technical knowledge of electronics assembly, quality systems, manufacturing process controls, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, communicate effectively with customers and internal teams, and drive continuous improvement across production.

In-depth knowledge of IPC-A-610 is required. Experience with J-STD-001, Class 3 electronics assembly, aerospace/high-reliability manufacturing, and Space Addendum requirements is highly preferred.

Job Responsibilities

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for supporting customer builds, improving manufacturing quality, and helping prevent recurring defects. Responsibilities include:

• Review customer assembly documentation, drawings, specifications, bills of material, and related requirements.
• Communicate with customers as needed to clarify quality, documentation, or assembly requirements.
• Review Manufacturing Process Instructions against customer requirements and recommend changes to make them more user-friendly, mistake-proof, and production-ready.
• Review DFM reports and ensure identified issues are resolved before production begins.
• Monitor builds closely to ensure proper process controls are in place and being followed.
• Analyze daily and historical defect data and work with cross-functional teams to reduce or prevent recurring defects.
• Identify manufacturing problems, process inefficiencies, and quality risks within the PCBA assembly process.
• Perform risk assessments and help develop mitigation plans for identified risks.
• Conduct process audits to verify that quality controls are maintained throughout production.
• Review deviations to ensure they are properly understood, communicated, and implemented on the production floor.
• Lead CAPA activities, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, preventive actions, and effectiveness checks.
• Work with suppliers and the purchasing team on supplier quality requirements and supplier-related quality issues.
• Provide training to operators, production personnel, and QC inspectors to improve workmanship knowledge and inspection consistency.
• Drive execution of internal quality goals, customer requirements, and continuous improvement objectives.
• Recommend process and quality improvements to the Quality Engineering Manager.
• Support actions required to meet internal and external customer expectations.

Education & Experience

• College degree with 2+ years of experience in quality engineering; or
• High school diploma with 5+ years of experience in quality engineering.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing, PCBA assembly, or high-reliability manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong working knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Knowledge of J-STD-001 requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, bills of material, assembly documentation, and customer specifications.
• Good understanding of BOM structure, document control, and revision control.
• Good understanding of material traceability requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Class 3 PCBA assembly and aerospace/high-reliability electronics.
• Experience with J-STD-001 Space Addendum.
• Strong technical knowledge of PCB assembly processes, including SMT, through-hole, rework, conformal coating, inspection, and test.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, and FMEA.
• Knowledge of SPC and Measurement System Analysis.
• Experience supporting supplier quality, customer audits, process audits, and CAPA systems.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working directly with production, engineering, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and customers. This person should be able to identify quality risks early, communicate clearly, and help drive improvements that reduce defects, improve process control, and support successful customer builds.