Job Description
Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, 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 1,600 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.
Job Summary:
We are currently looking for a Reliability Laboratory Associate Engineer for our new factory in Columbus, Ohio.
This position will be primarily responsible for conducting routine and specialized testing of materials and products, ensuring adherence to our company’s high standards of quality, reliability, and safety. The Laboratory Inspector will also interface internally with Production, Equipment Engineering, and Process Engineering to support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with both internal and industry standards.
Candidates with experience in electromechanical, electrical, or reliability testing are strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
Daily Laboratory Testing & Inspection
- Conducts reliability testing (e.g., I-V, Insulation, and Mechanical Load) and generates reports.
- Identify defects, anomalies, or non-conformances in accordance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Standards Compliance & Documentation
- Assist in the development and maintenance of ISO 17025 documentation and protocols to ensure the laboratory’s acquisition and maintenance of accreditation.
- Follow and implement relevant industry standards such as IEC 61215 and 61730, and other applicable standards in the field of Solar Panel Reliability Testing.
Equipment Calibration & Maintenance
- Perform regular preventive maintenance activities on assigned laboratory equipment.
Quality Data Analysis & Reporting
- Record and report test results accurately and consistently.
- Collaborate with Quality Engineers and management to evaluate trends, conduct root cause analyses, and propose corrective or preventive actions.
- Support customer visits and demonstrate testing procedures, as needed.
Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the development of improved testing methods, inspection protocols, and laboratory workflows.
- Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Other Duties
- Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned by Quality Managers and other superiors.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field; or at least 4 years of direct experience in laboratory testing or quality assurance.
- Automotive, semiconductor, or solar industry experience is highly desirable.
Technical Proficiency
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems, testing instrumentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or similar quality management systems is advantageous.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing responsibilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a plus.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Work Ethic & Mindset
- Demonstrated ability to follow strict safety and quality protocols.
- High level of initiative and ownership in driving tasks and responsibilities to completion.
Additional Information
- Relocation assistance can be provided.
- Must be able to work on-site in Columbus, Ohio.
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 Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related OR at least 4 years direct laboratory testing/quality assurance experience
- Ability to work on-site in Columbus, Ohio
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems, testing instrumentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Experience in electromechanical, electrical, or reliability testing
- Experience with ISO 17025 and/or ISO 9001 quality management systems
- Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Experience with equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and maintaining test equipment
- Ability to follow strict safety and quality protocols and perform accurate test documentation and reporting
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.
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