Illuminate USA · 16 hours ago
RELIABILITY LABORATORY TEST ENGINEER
Pataskala, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expIlluminate USA is a joint venture dedicated to transforming solar panel manufacturing in Central Ohio. The Reliability Laboratory Test Engineer will be responsible for developing and validating reliability test methods for solar modules, ensuring accurate test results and compliance with industry standards.
ManufacturingRenewable EnergySolar
Responsibilities
Develop and use expertise in Reliability Testing for solar panels towards test method development and validation
Establish and maintain I-V intercomparison programs to verify consistency between laboratory I-V testers, line testers, and external reference laboratories
Oversee the production, characterization, and maintenance of primary and secondary standard modules
Provide technical support to laboratory staff during test setup, execution, and troubleshooting, ensuring that methods are applied correctly and efficiently
Support investigation of anomalous or unexpected test results and provide guidance on next steps or additional testing
Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and test method documents to ensure alignment with ISO 17025 and relevant IEC standards
Define and implement validation methodologies for new or modified test methods, including criteria for method acceptance, precision, and robustness
Plan and execute measurement system analysis (MSA) activities (e.g., repeatability, reproducibility, stability studies) to quantify measurement variation and support uncertainty evaluation
Document test methods, validation studies, intercomparison results, and MSA outcomes in a clear, traceable, and audit-ready manner
Collaborate with Quality and Reliability leadership to ensure test methods and documentation support laboratory accreditation and ongoing audits
Work with the Calibration Engineer and Laboratory Managers to ensure that test methods are compatible with the capabilities and limits of laboratory equipment and fixtures
Participate in the selection, configuration, and qualification of new test equipment, including method integration and verification
Define method-specific checks, verifications, or reference runs needed to confirm that equipment is ready for testing (e.g., daily checks, control modules, or standard runs)
Identify and communicate equipment or software improvements needed to support new or more advanced test methods
Ensure that all method development and validation activities are conducted in accordance with safety protocols and laboratory best practices
Provide technical input during internal and external audits, customer visits, or witness testing related to reliability methods and laboratory capabilities
Support reliability investigations and root-cause analysis efforts by recommending appropriate test methods, sequences, and data evaluation approaches
Communicate method capabilities, limitations, and data interpretation guidance to internal stakeholders such as Manufacturing, Quality, Technical, and external partners as needed
Monitor industry developments, standards updates, and best practices related to photovoltaic module reliability testing and incorporate relevant improvements into laboratory methods
Identify and lead continuous improvement projects that increase test efficiency, data quality, and method robustness
Mentor Associate Engineers and Technicians in method application, data interpretation basics, and good measurement practices
Proactively seek opportunities to simplify methods, reduce turnaround time, and increase the value of test information provided to the business
Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned by Managers, Quality leadership, or other superiors in support of laboratory and company objectives
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Industrial), Physics, or a related technical field is required
5+ years of experience in reliability testing, product testing, laboratory engineering, or a closely related role is preferred; experience in solar, automotive, or semiconductor industries is a plus
Strong understanding of measurement principles, data acquisition, and test system behavior (e.g., I-V characterization, environmental testing, or mechanical testing)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required; experience with data analysis tools or scripting (e.g., Excel macros, Python, Minitab, JMP, or similar) is a plus
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex test data and identify meaningful trends or anomalies
High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, traceability, and documentation quality
Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while also managing individual responsibilities and priorities
Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ownership of assigned tasks and projects
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in all laboratory activities
Curiosity and willingness to learn new methods, technologies, and standards as the laboratory grows and matures
Desire to contribute to building a world-class reliability laboratory and to support the broader mission of advancing solar manufacturing in the United States
Preferred
5+ years of experience in reliability testing, product testing, laboratory engineering, or a closely related role is preferred; experience in solar, automotive, or semiconductor industries is a plus
Experience with test method development, validation, or measurement system analysis (MSA) is strongly preferred
Experience working under formal quality systems such as ISO 17025 and/or ISO 9001 is advantageous
Familiarity with PV module standards (such as IEC 61215 and 61730) or willingness to rapidly learn and apply them
Ability to design and interpret basic statistical analyses for method validation, intercomparison, and MSA
Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is a plus
Advanced degree is advantageous for consideration
Industry experience in automotive, semiconductor, or solar is highly desirable
Knowledgeable in Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Familiarity with reliability or statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Reliasoft), preferred
Benefits
Competitive pay
Comprehensive benefits
Continuous opportunities for career growth
Company
Illuminate USA
Illuminate USA is a solar panel manufacturer.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Illuminate USA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2024 (5)
2022 (1)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Brittany Rogers, CPCC
Chief Human Resources and People Officer - CHRO | CPO
Nicholas Crandall, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
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