Job Description
Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.
This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to ensure smooth transition from R&D to mass production. This role focuses on the evaluation and verification of new products, new materials and new processes as well as follow-up and completion of change management.
The NPI engineer will initiate, and lead verification projects related to 4M changes (Man, Machine, Material, Method) and implement pilot tests in collaboration with cross-functional team. This position focuses on managing material trials, improving the manufacturability of solar module components, and ensuring seamless integration of new products into high-volume production. Key materials include solar cells, ribbon, glass, junction boxes, EVA, Frame and others.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and who thrives on introducing new materials that improve product performance and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
NPI Material Qualification & Implementation
Lead and support qualification processes of new materials such as solar cells, ribbons, glass, EVA, Frames, and junction boxes in coordination with R&D, procurement, and supplier quality teams.
Design and execute material trial plans on production lines; Conduct specification review and analyze trial results.
Troubleshoot and resolve process issues encountered during material introduction phases.
Process parameter management for new material or products
Support analysis and interpretation of verification results for new materials, design changes or process changes and ensure alignment with product quality standards.
Maintain open communication with global teams and suppliers to support continuous NPI activity.
Assist the lab or R&D team with module reliability tests or other qualifications.
Coordinate with planning and R&D teams to generate and maintain accurate material codes of materials for NPI components.
Ensure documentation accuracy and traceability for all NPI-related process changes and test results.
Basic Qualifications
·Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in PV industry (preferred)
Experience with process verification or new materials evaluations in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with solar module components and photovoltaic materials.
Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to technical challenges.
Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in PV module, manufacturing in raw materials or equipment related to PV modules.
Experience working in PV industry or PV modules’ raw materials suppliers.
Familiarity in materials used in PV modules, including glass, EVA, solar cells, busbar and other electrical components.
Exposure to PFMEA, DOE, and problem-solving tools with statical analysis
At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.
Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with process verification or new materials evaluations in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with solar module components and photovoltaic materials
- Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to technical challenges
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience in PV industry
- 1-3 years of experience in PV module manufacturing, raw materials or equipment related to PV modules
- Experience working in PV industry or PV modules' raw materials suppliers
- Familiarity with materials used in PV modules including glass, EVA, solar cells, busbar and other electrical components
- Exposure to PFMEA, DOE, and problem-solving tools with statistical analysis
Illuminate USA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Illuminate USA and has not been reviewed or approved by Illuminate USA.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for the area, often described as above-average for local production roles and fair for the work performed. Opportunities for overtime further enhance earnings for those who want it.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage are included, with eligibility beginning shortly after hire and indications of quick start in some cases. This breadth of core health coverage strengthens the total rewards baseline.
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Parental & Family Support — Company-paid maternity leave at no cost to associates is explicitly provided. This family-oriented benefit adds tangible support beyond base pay.
Illuminate USA Insights
What We Do
Illuminate USA is an American leader in advanced clean energy manufacturing, dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solar panel technology and sustainable energy solutions. With a focus on innovation, Illuminate USA empowers a dynamic workforce to drive progress in the renewable energy sector. Based in Pataskala, Ohio, Illuminate USA operates a 1.1 million-square-foot facility, employing more than 1,400 associates across eight production lines, six of which are currently operational, with two more to be added by the end of 2024. At full capacity, the facility will produce more than 9.2 million advanced solar panels annually, equaling five gigawatts of electricity production — enough to power one million American homes. Illuminate USA is committed to onshoring the solar supply chain and investing in and upskilling the Ohio workforce by providing opportunities for engineers, technicians, production associates, and more. Together, we are making strides in American-generated, clean energy and lighting the way for a sustainable future.
