Engineering and Maintenance Manager

US Modules is seeking an experienced Engineering & Maintenance Manager to lead the equipment/process engineering and maintenance functions within our state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for maximizing equipment reliability, driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing capital projects, and ensuring the manufacturing operation achieves world‑class standards in safety, quality, throughput, and productivity.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on manufacturing leader with experience in high‑volume automated production environments who thrives in a fast‑paced startup and growth environment.

Location: College Station, TX

• Lead the Manufacturing Equipment Engineering and Maintenance teams to support daily production operations.
• Drive manufacturing process capability and implement equipment and process improvements to achieve short‑term KPIs and strategic initiatives.
• Develop engineering initiatives that improve safety, uptime, throughput, yield, and product quality.
• Manage new equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and process optimization.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Drive root‑cause analysis for equipment failures and manufacturing issues using structured problem‑solving techniques and LEAN manufacturing methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and manufacturing best practices.
• Drive lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and machine guarding programs.

• Manage, mentor, and coach the Maintenance team supporting 24x7 operations.
• Develop and drive comprehensive preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to drive standard KPIs of OEE, MTBF, and MTTR.
• Ensure capable and rapid response to production equipment failures.
• Develop and manage an efficient spare part process.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships; lead equipment improvement projects.
• Coordinate factory layout improvements and production line modifications.
• Support installation of new automation systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Ensure all activities and projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

• Collaborate and champion Lean Operating initiatives throughout the Operations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Utilize data analysis to improve production performance.
• Support implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and manufacturing automation.

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of engineering and maintenance leadership experience in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years managing engineering and maintenance teams.
• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Experience leading capital equipment projects.
• Knowledge of PLC‑controlled equipment, robotics, and industrial automation.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

• Experience in solar, semiconductor, electronics, automotive, battery, or other high‑volume manufacturing industries.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Familiarity with vision inspection systems and automated assembly equipment.

• Ability to walk production floors for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work around industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).