NPI Product Quality and Return Material Authorization (RMA), Sr. Staff Engineer / Manager
QualcommJob Title
NPI Product Quality and Return Material Authorization (RMA), Sr. Staff Engineer / Manager
Role Summary
Lead Product Quality across NPI and RMA functions for semiconductor products, accountable for product readiness, reliability, outgoing quality, and resolution of customer and field issues through development, launch, and high-volume manufacturing.
Manage technical teams, drive root-cause investigations and corrective actions, establish quality objectives, and act as escalation point for critical quality issues.
Experience Level
Senior-level; typically 10–15 years of relevant experience in RMA, NPI product quality, product test engineering, or related semiconductor quality roles.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include technical evaluation of returns, coordination across functions, and continuous improvement of quality systems.
- Evaluate customer-returned devices at device and system levels using ATE, X‑ray, CSAM, IV curve, system tests, and bench methods to identify root cause.
- Manage RMA analysis cycles: track actions, schedules, owners, and initiate internal corrective actions.
- Represent Quality Engineering in NPI core teams to ensure reliability, supplier and customer RMA readiness, and product launch deliverables.
- Work with QRE, Packaging, PTE, Systems, Design and other teams to apply lessons learned and preventive actions upstream.
- Lead resolution of escalated quality issues in high-volume manufacturing, including factory excursions and disposition of non-conforming materials.
- Provide customer perspective to internal stakeholders to drive improvements in customer satisfaction metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement to reduce outgoing product DPPM and strengthen internal quality systems.
Requirements
Essential technical skills, hands-on experience, and leadership capabilities required for the position.
- 10–15 years managing RMAs, NPI product quality, RMA, or product/test engineering roles.
- Hands-on experience with RMA and NPI processing and semiconductor manufacturing processes (wafer fabrication, assembly, testing, packaging).
- Practical experience with electrical test equipment and troubleshooting RF, baseband, power management, and RFFE.
- Proficiency with quality tools, statistics, CAPA, and structured problem-solving techniques.
- Strong cross-functional leadership, project tracking, and communication skills; able to drive accountability and data-driven decisions.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience leading global teams and managing supplier/factory escalations.
- Track record improving customer satisfaction metrics and reducing field returns.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering or related engineering field (BS/BE). MS preferred. Qualcomm lists alternatives: Master's degree with ~5+ years' hardware engineering experience or PhD with ~4+ years; relevant practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
About the Company
Company: Qualcomm
Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States
Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.
