Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Company Overview

Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.

Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.

Reporting to the Director of Quality, the Nevados Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, manufacturing processes, and reliability with direct material suppliers. This person will leverage their expertise in quality processes (APQP, PPAP, 8D, Fishbone), material science, statistical process control (SPC) and process optimization. They will lead the supplier qualification process for Nevados, maintain supplier/product quality and drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and partners. This is a highly technical and leadership-oriented role focused on establishing robust quality systems and ensuring supplier performance meets Nevados’ engineering and reliability expectations. 

This is a hybrid position requiring a proactive, self-directed individual with strong organizational and communication skills. Requirement to be 2-days per week at Nevados’ Oakland, CA HQ/Lab and at supplier locations more than50% of the time including manufacturing facilities, raw material facilities and meeting rooms. The individual will create on site relationships with factory team members and lead efforts to qualify new products, validate quality processes, and maintain supplier quality performance with the goal to reduce any faulty components shipping from factories to job sites. 

• Lead and continuously improve the Nevados Supplier Qualification process to ensure new suppliers and products are fully validatedand meet Nevados’ expectations. 
• Lead APQP/PPAP requirements with suppliers to validate long-term capability and reliability. 
• Conduct comprehensive inspections and tests of raw materials, in-process components, and finished products to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and quality standards. 
• Apply knowledge of material science to evaluate the properties and characteristics of materials used in our manufacturing processes, ensuring suitability for intended applications. 
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to monitor process performance, analyze data trends, and identify opportunities for optimization. 
• Develop and monitor supplier quality metrics (KPIs), and lead RCAs when suppliers fail to meet expectations. 
• Lead weekly supplier quality reviews with key suppliers. 
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to investigate supplier quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence. 
• Support the NPI processes related to supplier quality (FMEAs, DFM reviews, control plans, inspection templates, etc.) 
• Develop and maintain documentation of quality procedures, test protocols, and inspection records in compliance with Nevados and regulatory requirements. 
• Provide training and guidance to production staff on quality-related topics, including proper testing procedures, data interpretation, and adherence to quality standards. 
• Communicate effectively with international stakeholders including suppliers, customers, and internal teams, to address quality-related inquiries and ensure alignment on quality expectations. 
• Collaborate with Nevados overseas suppliers and manage 3rd party auditing and inspection companies. 
• Review inspection reports and address non-conformances promptly before shipping. 
• Regularly examine supplier quality documents and certifications to ensure compliance. 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Material Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in a Supplier Quality Engineer role required. 
• Proven experience in quality assurance/quality control roles within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the solar tracker industry and/or steel industry. 
• Experience leading and executing APQP and PPAP 
• Extensive experience with quality tools and processes (8D/CAPA, 5-Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone, Pareto, FMEAs, DFM, MSA/Gauge R&R, Control Charts/Cpk)  
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and tools. 
• Extensive experience auditing manufacturing facilities based on ISO9001 (or equivalent) standards. Ideal candidate is lead or internal auditor certified. 
• Extensive experience with metrology tools and techniques. Applied experience with product/component inspections. 
• Strong knowledge of material science principles and their application in manufacturing processes. 
• Experience with mechanical and welded assemblies or fasteners is a plus. 
• Certified quality engineer (CQE)a plus. 
• Six Sigma certification a plus. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and identify areas for improvement 
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Excellent communication skills across varying levels of management to effectively work with leadership members to shop associates. 
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and collaborate with teams across different regions and time zones. 

Benefits & Total Compensation Package

Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, commission (if applicable to the role) and stock options commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees and their eligible dependents are offered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability and vol life. We also offer 401(k) participation, unlimited PTO, generous sick leave, paid company holidays and additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.

Inclusion at Nevados

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply anyway. We’re committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. This includes uplifting women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who are underrepresented in cleantech and the broader tech industry. Nevados is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interview Process

At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.

Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.

Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.

Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.

Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.

Professional Reference Checks: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance.

We look forward to getting to know you better and exploring the possibility of you joining our team!