Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Job Title

Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Role Summary

The Principal QA Engineer leads product qualification and reliability monitoring (ORT) for semiconductor products and modules across design, manufacturing, and assembly. The role coordinates cross-functionally with Design, Test, Manufacturing, Reliability and FA labs, and Customer/Supplier Quality to prevent defects, ensure compliance, and drive continuous quality improvements.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 5+ years of relevant semiconductor quality, reliability, or product qualification experience.

Responsibilities

Perform and lead product qualification and reliability activities to ensure products meet internal, customer, and industry standards.

• Define, plan, perform, and review qualifications for new products, second sources, material, design, and process changes.
• Define, evaluate, and implement stress tests aligned to product applications.
• Ensure compliance with internal specifications, customer requirements, and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, IEC, JEDEC).
• Communicate qualification plans, data, and results with customers at silicon, package, and board levels.
• Participate in risk assessments (e.g., DFMEA) and verify implementation and validation of mitigation actions.
• Review qualification and reliability test results, assess risks, and provide quality approval for production releases or change management.
• Monitor field reliability (ORT) and coordinate corrective actions with Reliability, FA, and Manufacturing teams.

Requirements

Key must-have skills and attributes for the role.

• Strong understanding of the semiconductor industry and semiconductor modules, including SPS for AI/data-center applications.
• Solid knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes (wafer fab, assembly for IC and module, and test).
• Strong knowledge of quality and reliability standards and qualification methodologies for modules and SiP.
• Experience with failure analysis workflows and quality tools (FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis).
• Analytical, structured problem-solving mindset and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; able to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional, multicultural teams.
• Flexible to undertake international travel at short notice.

Education Requirements

Degree in electrical engineering or a relevant field (as stated in the posting).

About the Company

Company: Renesas

Headquarters: Hitachinaka, Japan

Renesas is a global leader in embedded semiconductor solutions, providing high-quality products across automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT sectors. With over 22,000 employees in more than 30 countries, the company focuses on scalable solutions that enhance user experience and drive innovation while committed to sustainability and energy efficiency.