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.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Process Engineer to join our team at our new state-of-the-art factory in Pataskala, Ohio. This role is vital in optimizing production processes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and maintain the highest quality standards. As a key member of the Process Department, you will analyze, design, and implement improvements to ensure seamless operations and contribute to the continuous growth of our organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze and resolve technical issues during production to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Lead and coordinate activities related to process improvements, material optimizations, equipment enhancements, and new product trials on the production line.
- Monitor and improve key production metrics such as string repair rate, stacking repair rate, first-pass yield, and hidden crack rate.
- Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.
- Collaborate across departments to implement process improvements, address workshop anomalies, and provide technical support to internal teams and customers.
- Lead root cause analysis of non-conforming products, propose effective solutions, and oversee their implementation to prevent recurrence.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations based on data collection and analysis to support decision-making.
- Ensure strict adherence to safety, quality, and production standards.
- Support additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in process engineering within dynamic manufacturing environments.
- Extensive knowledge of production safety practices and standards.
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and production quality methodologies.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and implement effective solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
- Proactive learner with a curiosity and drive to explore new technologies and methodologies.
- Ambitious, self-motivated, and disciplined, with a passion for excellence and continuous improvement.
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.
Top Skills
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.