NPI Engineer

NPI Engineer page is loaded## NPI Engineer locations:
OH - Pataskalatime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition :
R970

Job Description
** Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA 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 1,500 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.
** We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to ensure smooth transition from R&D to mass production. This role focuses on the evaluation and verification of new products, new materials and new processes as well as follow-up and completion of change management.

The NPI engineer will initiate, and lead verification projects related to 4M changes (Man, Machine, Material, Method) and implement pilot tests in collaboration with cross-functional team. This position focuses on managing material trials, improving the manufacturability of solar module components, and ensuring seamless integration of new products into high-volume production. Key materials include solar cells, ribbon, glass, junction boxes, EVA, Frame and others.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and who thrives on introducing new materials that improve product performance and cost-effectiveness.
** Key Responsibilities
**** NPI Material Qualification & Implementation
*** Lead and support qualification processes of new materials such as solar cells, ribbons, glass, EVA, Frames, and junction boxes in coordination with R&D, procurement, and supplier quality teams.
* Design and execute material trial plans on production lines;
Conduct specification review and analyze trial results.
* Troubleshoot and resolve process issues encountered during material introduction phases.
* Process parameter management for new material or products
* Support analysis and interpretation of verification results for new materials, design changes or process changes and ensure alignment with product quality standards.
* Maintain open communication with global teams and suppliers to support continuous NPI activity.
* Assist the lab or R&D team with module reliability tests or other qualifications.
* Coordinate with planning and R&D teams to generate and maintain accurate material codes of materials for NPI components.
* Ensure documentation accuracy and traceability for all NPI-related process changes and test results.
** Basic Qualifications**
* · Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
* Experience in PV industry (preferred)
* Experience with process verification or new materials evaluations in a manufacturing environment.
* Familiarity with solar module components and photovoltaic materials.
* Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to technical challenges.
* Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
* Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
** Preferred Qualifications
*** 1–3 years of experience in PV module, manufacturing in raw materials or equipment related to PV modules.
* Experience working in PV industry or PV modules’ raw materials suppliers.
* Familiarity in materials used in PV modules, including glass, EVA, solar cells, busbar and other electrical components.
* Exposure to PFMEA, DOE, and…