Incoming Quality Engineer

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

Summary

We are seeking an analytical, quality-driven Incoming Quality Engineer / Lead to take full ownership of incoming quality engineering (IQE) and incoming quality assurance (IQA) systems across our manufacturing facility. In this role, you will lead the governance of plant procedures, establish robust inspection control plans and First Article Inspection (FAI) frameworks to support New Product Introduction (NPI), and drive cross-functional collaboration on non-conforming materials and customer returns. You will also oversee calibration and qualification programs, champion strict counterfeit avoidance protocols, perform supplier compliance audits, and uphold rigorous regulatory compliance across international medical, automotive, and industrial standards through Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean manufacturing methodologies.

What You'll Do

• Take full ownership of maintaining plant procedures, work instructions, and forms for Incoming Quality to ensure seamless compliance with corporate and site QMS structures.

• Direct the creation, review, and lifecycle management of incoming inspection control plans aligned with customer specifications and NPI roadmaps.

• Oversee the end-to-end First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation and qualification process for new and revised components to facilitate smooth NPI execution.

• Provide authoritative technical guidance to IQA/IQE inspectors on component specifications, sampling plans, and complex non-conformance escalations.

• Partner with Cross-Functional Teams (CFT) and manufacturing operations to drive root-cause investigations, CAPA implementations, and customer return resolutions.

• Manage maintenance, calibration intervals, and qualification schedules for all inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IMTE) within IQE/IQA areas.

• Maintain and enforce counterfeit part avoidance measures and stringent material control protocols per corporate mandates.

• Support supplier quality management by conducting supplier system and compliance audits for vendor qualification, selection, and periodic evaluations.

• Review and disposition Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCMRs), including Material Review Board (MRB) governance and "Use-As-Is" risk assessments.

• Prepare and deliver audit readiness for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-party audits, covering ISO standards, customer requirements, ESD compliance, and regulatory body inspections.

• Champion continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and Kaizen projects to eliminate operational waste and enhance receiving inspection throughput.

• Facilitate training sessions on incoming quality procedures and regulatory requirements for cross-functional staff and direct team members.

• Perform other quality leadership, audit coordination, and engineering duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Electronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Proven experience as a QA/QC Engineer within an electronics manufacturing (EMS/IMS) or PCBA environment; direct background in Incoming Quality operations preferred.

• Solid working knowledge of PCBA fabrication, assembly processes, ESD controls, and applicable IPC workmanship standards.

• Strong grounding in international quality and regulatory standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, US FDA 21 CFR Part 820/Part 11, Japan PMDA MHLW Ordinance 169, and MDSAP.

• Demonstrated proficiency in core quality tools (FMEA, 8D, SPC, Root Cause Analysis) and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

• Hands-on familiarity with enterprise quality systems such as Agile PLM/PQM, Oracle, Receiving/Inspection Maestro, SQR, and MRB modules.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Looker Studio, or equivalent operational dashboarding tools; exposure to AI-driven automation is a plus.

• Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, project management, and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

How to Stand Out

The ideal candidate combines an assertive quality mindset with deep technical expertise in PCBA incoming inspection and medical/regulated manufacturing governance. You stand out through a proven track record of handling high-stakes customer and regulatory audits, championing data-driven supplier quality improvements, leveraging modern digital/automation tools to streamline inspection cycles, and proactively mentoring inspection teams to maintain flawless defect-prevention standards.