Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and Electroluminescence)

Job Description

Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and Electroluminescence)

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 Senior Quality Engineer (Visual and EL) for our new factory in Columbus, Ohio. 

This position will be primarily responsible for the development of quality defect criteria; optimization and calibration of automated inspection machines; training and qualification of inspectors for quality inspection tests such as automated visual inspection and automated electroluminescence inspection.  This position will interface internally with Production, Equipment and Process Engineering and externally with camera and artificial intelligence (AI) vendors for the development, maintenance and continual improvement of quality inspection equipment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop, analyze and document quality defect criteria for photovoltaic products associated with visual and aesthetic defects (fractures, contamination, scratches, solar cell spacing, string spacing, etc.) and electroluminescence defects (shunts, microfractures, zero current, etc.).
• Advise PQI manager on potential acceptance criteria suggestions and other improvement opportunities regarding AI inspection overlays.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors for automated visual inspection and electroluminescence cameras to optimize mass production-level inspection.
• In-charge of defect data collection as part of artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives; review VI and EL inspection data for accurate and consistent detection of solar cell and solar panel manufacturing-related defects.
• Interface with cross-functional internal groups such as Data Automation, Quality Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering and Production to standardize implementation of corrective actions related to quality inspection.
• Develop training modules and conduct training for quality inspectors; assess and improve inspection competencies of inspectors using Attribute Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) or other similar methodologies.
• Perform Statistical Process Control and Capability Studies (defect rate analysis, Cpk and Ppk analysis) to properly understand accuracy, stability and capability of quality AI and inspector judgements.
• Read and interpret product drawings, bill of materials, product certification standards (such as IEC 61215 and IEC/UL 61730) to align quality inspection procedures and other internal documents.
• Monitor and coordinate proper calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment to maintain accuracy and reliability.
• Other critical duties that may be assigned by Quality Managers.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electronics, Mechanical or Chemical) or Science (Chemistry, Physics) with at least 8 years working experience and 5 years of which in quality inspection development role.
• Knowledge of automated optical inspection, electroluminescence, photoluminescence or other similar technologies is a MUST.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning, preferred.

• Strong experience in manufacturing operations and quality within the solar, optoelectronics, semiconductor or automotive industries.
• At least 4 years’ solid experience in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• Familiar with Quality Control Plans, Process/Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (P/DFMEA).
• Able to work cross-functional and under pressure and communicate effectively with multiple levels within the organization.
• Adept in root cause and technical analysis to identify product defects and drive escalation of issues to quality managers and other cross-functional groups such as Production, Equipment and Process Engineering.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite; prior experience with statistical analysis software such as JMP or Minitab.
• Knowledge of product certification standards related to the solar industry (UL 1703, IEC 61215, IEC/UL 61730, etc.), preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience working with data security, IP protection, and access control for manufacturing processes against outside vendors preferred but not mandatory.

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.