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.
Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior NPI Quality Engineer to join our new factory in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, you will lead quality engineering efforts during the introduction of new products and materials, ensuring customer
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead quality planning and execution during the NPI phase to ensure new products and materials meet defined performance standards and customer satisfaction goals.
- Plan and implement QFD activities, including identifying deliverables, engaging cross-functional stakeholders, and converting customer requirements (WHATs) into technical solutions (HOWs).
- Identify Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) parameters and key process factors based on quality standards, recurring issues (IPM, PSI), customer complaints, and PFMEA analysis.
- Develop and execute CTQ action plans across departments, with a strong focus on:
- Consistent and complete implementation
- Measurable impact on key quality KPIs (e.g., Grade A yield, First Pass Rate)
- Trainings of relevant personnel
- Replication across all production lines and shifts
- Ongoing validation of quality improvements
- Collaborate with Process Engineering, Quality & Reliability, Operations Planning, and CQE (Customer Quality Engineering) teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding of product requirements.
- Partner with Process Engineering to analyze new product and material designs, supporting documentation setup or revision as necessary.
- Define the NPI quality maturity matrix, establish release criteria, and manage milestones reviews.
- Track and manage project quality metrics, timelines, and deliverables throughout the NPI lifecycle.
- Provide hands-on support during pilot runs and production ramp-up, coordinating 2TP test runs and addressing quality concerns.
- Participate in technical review meetings to address deviations from quality requirements.
- Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, production yield, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) or Science (Chemistry, Physics).
- Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience, with at least 3 years in quality engineering or project development roles.
- Proven experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly in the solar, semiconductor, electronics, or automotive industries.
- Strong skills in project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication.
- Expertise in quality methodologies such as Control Plans, PFMEA/DFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving tools.
- Proficiency in MS Office; experience with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and effectively communicate across all organizational levels.
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 Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry or Physics
- At least 5 years of relevant industry experience
- At least 3 years of experience in quality engineering or project development
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably solar, semiconductor, electronics, or automotive
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
- Expertise with Control Plans, PFMEA or DFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Experience with JMP or Minitab statistical analysis tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and communicate across all organizational levels
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.
