Costa Mesa, CA, US Quality Engineer

Requisition ID: 111831-0

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

QUALITY ENGINEER

Job Purpose:

The Quality Engineer will play a key role in the Quality organization of the team that makes some of the most complex and mission critical PCBs solutions on the planet. We are seeking a highly technical Quality Engineer to drive product excellence, precision metrology, and operational efficiency.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between customer design intent and manufacturing capability by overseeing advanced dimensional inspection equipment and spearheading data-driven process improvements. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), hands-on Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) data evaluation, and a proven track record of using Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate defects.

Nature of Duties/Responsibilities:

Metrology & Dimensional Inspection

• Interpret GD&T: Review engineering blueprints to extract and interpret complex geometric tolerances and critical-to-quality (CTQ) dimensions.
• Evaluate CMM Data: Partner with the metrology team to analyze CMM measurement reports, diagnose process drift, and validate part conformance to customer requirements.
• Validate First Articles: Assist with questions of AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI/FAIR) packages with the FAI team.
• Perform Gauge R&R: Conduct Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) to ensure the accuracy and reliability of inspection and measuring systems.

Six Sigma & Quality Analysis

• Apply DMAIC: Lead problem-solving projects utilizing the Six Sigma DMAIC framework to systematically reduce process variation.
• Monitor SPC: Establish and maintain Statistical Process Control charts to track manufacturing stability and catch defects proactively.
• Mitigate Risks: Facilitate and update Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Control Plans.
• Investigate Root Causes: Participate in Review Board (MRB) activities and leverage 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone tools for corrective actions (CAPA).

Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Reduce Waste: Facilitate Lean and Kaizen events to optimize factory workflows, improve product yields, and minimize scrap rates.
• Optimize Documentation: Author and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and inspection standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Advise manufacturing and new product introduction (NPI) teams on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) based on empirical capability data.

Internal Auditing & Compliance

• Audit Execution: Conduct systematic internal process, system, and product quality audits.
• Team Leadership: Train, mentor, and coordinate other internal audit team members across different departments.
• Reporting: Document detailed audit findings, draft objective nonconformance reports, and present metrics to executive leadership.
• External Readiness: Assist the Quality Manager during external, third-party registrar, regulatory (ISO9001:AS9100), or customer-driven audits.

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of quality engineering experience within a high-precision manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical devices).
• Experience or knowledge in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing or assembly (PCBA) is preferred.

Technical Skills & Core Competencies

• GD&T Mastery: Full fluency in ASME Y14.5 or ISO geometric dimensioning standards.
• CMM Proficiency: Experience evaluating, troubleshooting, or programming CMM reports.
• Statistical software: Proficiency using Minitab, JMP, or similar data analysis software.

Preferred Certifications

• Six Sigma Certification: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt from an accredited organization.
• ASQ Certification: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Salary Range (annual) : $80,000.00 - $95,000.00

Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.