Reliability Laboratory Test Engineer

**Job Summary:**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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* 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.* Demonstrated ability to follow strict safety and quality protocols.* High level of initiative and ownership in driving tasks and responsibilities to completion.Illuminate USA, a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing factories in the Western Hemisphere.

This 1.1 million-square-foot factory is currently in advanced stages of preparation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Illuminate USA is seeking highly motivated team members to help the company grow from startup to a full scale, industry leading manufacturer with $1B - $2B expected annual revenue and over 1,200 employees in less than two years.This will be a fast-paced and exciting time in our history as we are building something great from the ground up here in central Ohio. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and ongoing career development opportunities. Come join our collaborative, people-focused,
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