Reliability Laboratory Test Engineer

Job description

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. 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 looking for a Reliability Laboratory Test Engineer for our solar panel manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio. This role is responsible for the development, validation, and continual improvement of reliability test methods used to evaluate our solar modules and related components. The Reliability Laboratory Test Engineer will lead method development, I-V intercomparison activities, standard module production, measurement system analysis (MSA), and validation methodologies to ensure that test results are accurate, repeatable, and meaningful for decision-making. The Test Engineer will work closely with other Reliability Laboratory Associate Engineers, Engineers, Managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that testing is performed in alignment with ISO 17025 , relevant IEC standards (e.g., IEC 61215, IEC 61730) , and internal quality requirements. This position is highly technical and data-driven, requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate test results into practical guidance. Responsibilities: Daily Laboratory Testing Support 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. Standards Compliance & Documentation 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. Equipment Care & Method Readiness 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. Quality, Safety & Cross-Functional Support 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. Continuous Improvement & Innovation 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. Other Duties Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned by Managers, Quality leadership, or other superiors in support of laboratory and company objectives. Qualifications: Education & Experience 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. 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. Technical Proficiency Strong understanding of measurement principles, data acquisition, and test system behavior (e.g., I-V characterization, environmental testing, or mechanical testing). Familiarity with PV module standards (such as IEC 61215 and 61730) or willingness to rapidly learn and apply them. 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. Ability to design and interpret basic statistical analyses for method validation, intercomparison, and MSA. Skills & Abilities 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. Work Ethic & Mindset 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. 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. Examples: power measurement, solar simulation, mechanical loading test, thermal cycling, damp heat, electroluminescence, highly accelerated stress test, etc. Validate and analyze test degradation data, understand potential root causes, physics of failures, and calculate estimated field reliability parameters – Mean Time to Failure (MTTF), Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF), Annual Failure Rate (AFR), etc. 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 and/or design of experiments. Perform tests and analyze data derived from field exposure tests of solar panels and Balance of Systems (BOS) components such as inverters or microinverters to correlate accelerated laboratory test data with simulated field performance data. Develop, document and implement test procedures and laboratory operating protocols to ensure compliance with systems and product standards (ISO 17025, IEC 61215, 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 efforts on laboratory workflows, test methods, and equipment utilization. Understand environmental, solar simulation, and electromechanical test technology to ensure equipment upkeep and accurate test results. Execute calibration, spectral analysis, and light uniformity measurements associated with IV/Flash Tester for photovoltaic systems. Coordinate with Equipment Engineering to ensure testing instruments remain 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. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field) or Science (Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline). Advanced degree is advantageous for consideration. At least 4 years of experience in laboratory testing, quality assurance, or reliability engineering. Industry experience in automotive, semiconductor, or solar is highly desirable. Technical Proficiency 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 (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Reliasoft), preferred. Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and related quality management systems is advantageous. Skills & Abilities Strong attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and adapt to evolving responsibilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is a plus. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Work Ethic & Mindset Demonstrated ability to follow strict safety and quality protocols. High level of initiative and ownership in driving tasks and responsibilities to completion. Additional Information 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. 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.