Quality Engineer NPI (New Products Introduction)

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 seeking an experienced NPI Quality Engineer to join our new factory in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, you will lead quality engineering efforts during the introduction of new products and materials, ensuring customer requirements are accurately translated into quality technical specifications. Using structured methodologies such as Quality Function Deployment (QFD), you will drive product quality, performance, and cross-functional alignment to ensure our solar panel products meet both customer expectations and regulatory standards

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead quality planning and execution during the NPI phase to ensure new products and materials meet defined performance standards and customer satisfaction goals.

· Plan and implement QFD activities, including identifying deliverables, engaging cross-functional stakeholders, and converting customer requirements (WHATs) into technical solutions (HOWs).

· Identify Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) parameters and key process factors based on quality standards, recurring issues (IPM, PSI), customer complaints, and PFMEA analysis.

· Develop and execute CTQ action plans across departments, with a strong focus on:

· Consistent and complete implementation

· Measurable impact on key quality KPIs (e.g., Grade A yield, First Pass Rate)

· Training of relevant personnel

· Replication across all production lines and shifts

· Ongoing validation of quality improvements

· Collaborate with Process Engineering, Quality & Reliability, Operations Planning, and CQE (Customer Quality Engineering) teams to ensure alignment and shared understanding of product requirements.

· Partner with Process Engineering to analyze new product and material designs, supporting documentation setup or revision as necessary.

· Define the NPI quality maturity matrix, establish release criteria, and manage milestones reviews.

· Track and manage project quality metrics, timelines, and deliverables throughout the NPI lifecycle.

· Provide hands-on support during pilot runs and production ramp-up, coordinating 2TP test runs and addressing quality concerns.

· Participate in technical review meetings to address deviations from quality requirements.

· Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, production yield, and overall manufacturing efficiency.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) or Science (Chemistry, Physics).

· Minimum 5 years of quality engineering or project development roles, or relevant industry experience.

· Proven experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly in the solar, semiconductor, electronics, or automotive industries.

· Strong skills in project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication.

· Expertise in quality methodologies such as Control Plans, PFMEA/DFMEA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving tools.

· Proficiency in MS Office; experience with statistical analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab is preferred.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and effectively communicate across all organizational levels.

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.

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