Equipment Specialist

Equipment Specialist

T1 Energy is bringing solar manufacturing back to the U.S. by building a domestic solar supply chain. Our mission is to invigorate America with scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy. Our fully operational 5GW solar module facility in Wilmer, Texas, can manufacture more than 20,000 modules every 24 hours.

The Equipment Specialist is a senior‑level technical role responsible for maximizing the efficiency, reliability, and technical health of advanced production equipment and automated systems within a high‑volume manufacturing environment. Operating as a subject‑matter expert (SME), this individual focuses on complex troubleshooting, predictive maintenance design, and advanced automation engineering—specifically overseeing the plant’s Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) robotics fleet
. While this role does not have direct supervisory or shift‑leading responsibilities, it requires a high level of independent problem‑solving, technical mentorship of junior technicians, and heavy collaboration with engineering teams.

• Advanced Equipment Diagnostics:
  Independently isolate, troubleshoot, and resolve highly complex, systemic electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic malfunctions on the manufacturing line with minimal supervision.
• AGV Robotics Fleet Ownership:
  Serve as the technical expert for factory Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Troubleshoot navigation systems, laser scanners, sensor arrays, fleet‑management software communications, and mechanical/electrical drive units.
• Training & Technical Mentorship:
  Lead the technical skill development of junior technicians and production operators; create training materials regarding equipment mechanics, robotics handling, and precision tool operation.
• Predictive Maintenance Engineering:
  Design, refine, and optimize predictive and preventative maintenance (PM) standards for production equipment, robotics, and integrated factory automation systems.
• Data Analytics & CMMS Tracking:
  Generate and analyze machine data using MS Excel and CMMS platforms to track equipment utilization, pinpoint recurring failure modes, and provide actionable reporting to engineering leadership.
• Equipment Improvements & Special Projects:
  Lead technical modifications, upgrades, and optimization projects for existing hardware; assist engineering during new line equipment installation and precision alignment using hoists, micrometers, and plumb bobs.
• Safety & Standards Compliance:
  Act as a technical safety champion, ensuring all specialized repairs, calibrations, and component fabrications strictly adhere to electrical codes, mechanical standards, and safety operation rules.

• Controls & Automation Systems:
  Navigate and manipulate complex factory control systems and PLCs to clear faults, pull system data, track metrics, and identify hidden operational bottlenecks.
• Facilities Infrastructure Support:
  Support facility infrastructure systems (such as industrial air compressors, chillers, vacuum pumps, and HVAC) by utilizing specialized knowledge to assist in power recovery or emergency troubleshooting protocols.
• Precision Component Rebuilding:
  Diagnose complex AC/DC circuitry, safely replace intricate components, and perform precision manual rebuilds of vital mechanical assemblies.
• Routine Systems Testing:
  Conduct advanced, mandatory regulatory and preventative testing on critical hardware, including robotic drives, automated safety gates, and material transport mechanisms.

• Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline (Machinery, Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation, or Engineering Technology) is required.
• Minimum of 4+ years of industrial maintenance experience in high‑volume manufacturing (Photovoltaics/Solar or Semiconductor industries are highly preferred).
• Proven hands‑on experience troubleshooting and maintaining AGVs or advanced robotics systems (fanuc, kuka, automated logistics carts, etc.).
• Exceptional, high‑level troubleshooting skills across complex high/low voltage electrical systems (>480 V), mechatronics, and advanced automation components.
• Strong working knowledge of pneumatic logic,…