Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) Supervisor

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 1,600 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:

Reports to: Customer Quality Manager

We are seeking an Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) Supervisor to manage a team of inspectors who ensure that all outgoing solar panel shipments meet established quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.  This position is responsible for creating and refining inspection documentation and ensuring submission of required product test performance data to customers as part of the order fulfillment process.  The supervisor will collaborate closely with cross-functional groups (e.g., Planning, Warehouse, Logistics, Engineering) to uphold high quality control standard and drive continual improvements in shipment quality protocols – done through stringent validation of packaging, labeling and over-all product quality and performance compliance.  This position will also conduct statistical analysis on power performance of outgoing solar panels to validate compliance of power tolerances for all manufactured products. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a team of Outgoing Quality Control Inspectors who will conduct thorough product-level and packaging-level outgoing inspections to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with order specifications.
• Perform statistical analysis of solar panel electrical parameters (power, current, voltage, fill factor, etc.) to ensure compliance with tolerance requirements stated in customer agreements and product data sheets.
• Execute and manage quarantined solar products and drive timely disposition for such units. 
• Conduct thorough unpacking and sampling of products after they have been stored to ensure that items remain in optimal condition and match expected quality standards.
• Gather and organize comprehensive shipment data which could include product details, quantities, shipment data, performance data, tracking numbers, etc.
• Maintain detailed records of inspection data with categorization of defects, non-conformances and corrective actions taken; drive reduction of OQC defect through root cause analysis and systematic problem solving.
• Track key quality metrics, analyze patterns and trends and identify opportunities in product quality and packaging/pallet/shipment-related quality issues.
• Develop and execute training program for quality inspectors to increase accuracy in product defect code identification and other quality assurance-related skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science with 10+ years manufacturing experience in one or more of the following industries: solar, electronics, semiconductor or automotive.
• Minimum 6+ years experience in a Quality function.
• Intensive experience in statistical process control and analysis using statistical software (e.g., JMP and Minitab).
• Adept in quality improvement projects focused on packaging, pallet technology, warehouse and shipment-related damages on products, etc.
• Experienced in systematic problem-solving via 8D Process, Six Sigma or other root cause analysis methods.
• Experienced in Process Flow Diagrams, Control Charts and Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (D/PMEA).
• Has undergone specialized training in customer quality management, equipping them with the skills to ensure high standards of customer satisfaction and product quality.
• Strong communication skills to clearly convey information, engage with stakeholders, and adapt messaging to suit different audiences.
• Familiar with Enterprise or Material Resource Planning (E/MRP) or other similar databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Science (Chemistry and Physics)
• Experience in high-volume data management and reporting platforms (PowerBI, Tableau, etc.)
• Fluent in written and verbal communication in both Mandarin and English.
• Adept in reading product design/drawings, bill of materials and material specifications.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.