QML Principal Engineer

SkyWater is hiring a seasoned Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) Principal Engineer with deep semiconductor experience supporting military, aerospace, and other high-reliability programs. This role serves as the technical owner for QML certification and compliance, leading qualification activities and sustaining our QML listing while ensuring the technology and manufacturing processes consistently meet U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) certification for the fab and the manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with MIL-PRF-38535 for microcircuits and applicable high-reliability military/industry specifications.
• Define, manage, and interpret qualification and periodic requalification plans, including radiation and environmental test requirements.
• Manage rigorous test programs including Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE), and environmental/mechanical stress testing to demonstrate process robustness and long-term reliability.
• Own the documentation, configuration control, and quality records required for QML certification, ensuring records are complete, traceable, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Collaborate with TRB, engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to embed QML requirements into production controls, change management, and release processes.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant standards, directives, and regulatory requirements; proactively update internal procedures to reflect changes.
• Develop and deliver training for new and existing staff on QML requirements, quality systems, documentation practices, and audit readiness.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with DLA and government/customer stakeholders to ensure alignment, timely communication, and awareness of evolving certification expectations.
• Lead internal and external audits; prepare clear status updates and corrective-action plans for senior management, including risks, issues, and mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD.
• Demonstrated experience in quality, reliability, product assurance, or related roles within the semiconductor industry, with direct exposure to military/aerospace or other high-reliability requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise with MIL-PRF-38535 and related DLA QML requirements; working knowledge of PRF-38534 is a plus where applicable.
• Proven track record leading QML certification and sustainment activities, including documentation control, change management, and audit execution.
• Strong understanding of radiation effects and test methodologies for space-grade (Class V) and military-grade (Class Q) semiconductor products.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Quality/Reliability Engineering, or a related field.
• U.S. Citizenship is Required: This position will require the holding of or ability to obtain government security clearance which requires U.S Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification(s) in Quality Management Systems and/or Lean Six Sigma .
• Experience with DLA audit processes and direct interactions with government agencies.

The annual salary range for this role is $136,960 - $205,440. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com.

EOE, including disability/vets