Reliability Engineer

Job Description:

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.

We’re not just building solar panels, we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth.

• Reliability Testing & Data Analysis
  :
  Develop, execute, and manage a variety of daily reliability tests to determine performance degradation of solar panels related to electrical, mechanical, visual, and safety parameters. Test examples include power measurement, solar simulation, mechanical loading, thermal cycling, damp heat, electroluminescence, highly accelerated stress test, etc. Validate and analyze test degradation data, determine underlying root causes, and calculate field reliability parameters such as Mean Time to Failure (MTTF), Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF), and Annual Failure Rate (AFR).
  
  Execute test requirements, prepare reports, and document all records as part of On‑Going Reliability Test (ORT), Qualification Test Plans (QTP), and special reliability evaluations or design‑of‑experiments. Perform tests and analyze data derived from field exposure tests of solar panels and Balance of Systems (BOS) components to correlate laboratory data with simulated field performance. Develop, document, and implement test procedures and laboratory operating protocols to ensure compliance with ISO
  17025, IEC
  61215, and IEC/UL61730. Interface with Customer Quality Engineering and stakeholders to communicate laboratory test results and demonstrate testing procedures.
• Laboratory Development, Equipment Calibration, and Maintenance
  :
  Manage validation, calibration, and preventive maintenance activities for all laboratory equipment. Support optimization of laboratory workflows, test methods, and equipment utilization. Understand environmental, solar simulation, and electromechanical test technology to ensure accurate test results. Execute calibration, spectral analysis, and light uniformity measurements associated with IV/Flash Tester for photovoltaic systems. Coordinate with Equipment Engineering to keep testing instruments functional, accurate, and up‑to‑date.
• Product and Test Technology
  :
  Understand product drawings, specifications, bill of materials, and manufacturing process flows to correlate potential issues in ORT process capability indices.
• Other Duties
  :
  Perform additional tasks or projects assigned by Quality Managers and other superiors.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field) or Science (Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline). Advanced degree advantageous.
• At least 4 years of experience in laboratory testing, quality assurance, or reliability engineering, preferably in automotive, semiconductor, or solar industries.
• Strong familiarity with data acquisition systems, testing instrumentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Able to understand product drawings, material specifications, and manufacturing process flows.
• Knowledgeable in Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Familiarity with reliability or statistical analysis software such as JMP, Minitab, or Reliasoft preferred.
• Experience with ISO
  9001, ISO
  17025, and related quality management systems advantageous.

• Strong attention to detail, multitasking, and adaptability to evolving responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

• Demonstrated ability to follow strict safety and quality protocols.
• High level of initiative and ownership in driving tasks and responsibilities to completion.

• Relocation assistance is available.
• Must be able to work on‑site in Columbus, Ohio.

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. Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer.