Principal Supplier Quality Engineer — SQE / Assembly Process

Job Title

Principal Supplier Quality Engineer — SQE / Assembly Process

Role Summary

Acts as liaison with regional suppliers to manage and improve supplier quality for power modules and PCB assembly. Drives root-cause investigations, corrective and preventive actions, supplier process qualification, and audit activities while working with cross-functional teams.

Experience Level

Senior — minimum 10 years relevant experience in supplier quality management, supplier selection, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excursion response.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities focus on supplier quality, PCB assembly process support (SMT), audits, and continuous improvement.

• Serve as primary liaison between regional suppliers and Renesas for quality matters.
• Manage quality excursions; lead root-cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support supplier process and material changes, site certifications, and audit activities.
• Collaborate with component suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications for power modules.
• Support PCB assembly processes with emphasis on surface mount technology (SMT) and related manufacturing techniques.
• Identify quality trends, manage improvement projects, and influence cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Capture and share best practices and lessons learned to enhance supplier quality.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and motivate/organize teams to achieve quality objectives.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience; preferred items are listed separately.

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in supplier quality management, including supplier selection, ongoing quality improvement, and manufacturing excursion response management.
• Strong technical knowledge of semiconductor module assembly processes, passive components (inductors, capacitors), and embedded substrate process control.
• Proven hands-on experience in PCB assembly, especially surface mount technology (SMT).
• Practical use of structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone analysis.
• Understanding of quality standards and methodologies (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3) and quality tools (FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Experience or knowledge of advanced semiconductor packaging (e.g., Multi-Chip Modules, Wafer-Level Chip Scale Packages).
• Proven ability to influence suppliers and drive timely resolution of quality issues.
• Experience working in a regional or global supplier quality environment.

Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field. Certified or qualified auditor for ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3 (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.