Quality Engineer (m/w/d)

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world’s largest solar modular producers. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products, Canadian Solar delivers uncompromising value to its customers across the globe.

Position Title: Quality Engineer

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Supervisor

Description

The Quality Engineer is responsible for implementing quality policy, meeting quality objectives, and maintaining the quality of products leaving the factory.

This role involves developing and maintaining product control plans, driving quality system performance, leading system audits, providing internal training, and bridging the gap between the customer and the company to ensure compliance and effective communication. The goal is to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction through frequent communication, access to customer needs, and timely feedback.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and Maintain Control Plans
   • Utilize statistical process control (SPC) tools to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
   • Implement and update control plans to ensure product quality and consistency.
2. Lead Cross-Functional Teams
   • Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to investigate and resolve quality issues.
   • Use root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify and address underlying problems.
3. Engineering Change Management
   • Oversee engineering change requests (ECRs) and ensure seamless integration of changes into production.
   • Use Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software to track and document changes.
4. Quality Control Activities
   • Supervise quality control inspectors and technicians.
   • Implement and maintain quality control procedures, including inspection and testing protocols.
5. Customer Quality Issues
   • Lead investigations into customer-reported quality issues.
   • Develop and implement corrective actions using tools like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
6. New Product Launches
   • Develop quality documentation for new product introductions, including control plans, inspection criteria, and test plans.
   • Use Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) tools to ensure successful product launches.
7. Travel percentage: 0%-70%
8. Technical Responses and Documentation
   • Provide detailed technical responses to customer inquiries and complaints.
9. Internal Audits and Training
   • Lead internal quality audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
   • Provide training and mentorship to junior quality engineers and technicians.
10. Continuous Improvement
    • Identify opportunities for process improvements and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
    • Use Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
11. Customer Interaction
    • Accompany customers to supervise the production process and pre-shipment inspections in the factory.
    • Provide daily reports required by clients and liaise with clients during visits.
    • Ensure that non-conformities are consistently tracked and reported to the client until all issues are closed.
    • Achieve high customer satisfaction through effective communication and timely feedback.

Required Engineering Tools and Skills

• Statistical Analysis Software: Proficiency in Minitab, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis and process control.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Experience with ISO 9001.
• Root Cause Analysis Tools: Familiarity with 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and FMEA.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Experience with tools like PTC Windchill or Siemens Teamcenter.
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP): Knowledge of APQP processes and tools.
• Lean Six Sigma: Certification or experience in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Technical Documentation: Strong skills in preparing technical reports, quality documentation, and customer responses.

Specialized Aspects

• Substantive Engineering Knowledge: The role requires a deep understanding of quality engineering principles, statistical analysis, and process improvement methodologies.
• Technical Leadership: The ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive quality initiatives across the organization.
• Customer and Supplier Interaction: Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with customers and suppliers, ensuring quality standards are met.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant degree in Technical, Electrical Engineering, Management, Science, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or Electronics.
• given to Quality Accreditation’s (AQC/AIAG) and technical courses completed (Auditor, etc.)
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a Quality capacity within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to drive process/product quality control, lean manufacturing.
• Good current working knowledge of AIAG standards (PQP, PPAP & PFMEA) Cpk, SPC, 8D
• Six sigma an asset
• Quality Control background, including problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Experience in Quality Assurance and problem-solving/root cause analysis.
• Professional demeanor at all times.
• Strong leadership abilities and confident, consistent, decisive personality.
• Must be able to work with little supervision, must be self-directed.
• Attention to detail in all areas of work.
• Desire for innovative thinking and continual learning.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring, mediating, and negotiating skills.
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills with MS Office, MS Excel, and e-mail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.