Associate Manufacturing Engineer

The Associate Manufacturing Engineer will support and improve solar manufacturing processes, focusing on production output, process yield, product quality, cycle time, and line efficiency. This role will collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to troubleshoot process issues, optimize manufacturing parameters, improve stringing quality, and reduce defects. The position will also support operator training, process documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize A-grade production, increase throughput, and minimize material waste.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors daily manufacturing processes, production output, and Stringer equipment performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Tracks and analyze key manufacturing metrics, including production output, yield, A-grade percentage, cycle time, throughput, line efficiency, and process losses.
• Assists in identifying and resolving process-related defects, production bottlenecks, and quality issues throughout the manufacturing line.
• Supports stringing process quality by monitoring process parameters, identifying recurring defects, and assisting with parameter optimization.
• Works with Production and Quality teams to investigate process variations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve product quality and yield.
• Identifies opportunities to improve cycle time, production throughput, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing line efficiency.
• Monitors critical process parameters and ensure manufacturing operations are performed according to established specifications and standards.
• Assists in developing, testing, and optimizing manufacturing process parameters to improve production consistency and reduce defects.
• Supports the training of production operators on process parameters, standard work, operating procedures, and quality requirements.
• Identifies process-critical consumables and materials required for manufacturing operations and coordinate with relevant departments to ensure availability.
• Assists in developing, updating, and maintaining process SOPs, work instructions, process flow documents, and standard operating procedures.
• Prepares and maintains manufacturing reports related to production output, yield, A-grade production, cycle time, efficiency, and process losses.
• Collaborates with Supervisors and leaders to address daily manufacturing challenges and improve adherence to standard processes.
• Supports process trials, equipment adjustments, and manufacturing improvement projects to enhance production performance and product quality.
• Assists in identifying opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, material consumption, and other manufacturing-related losses.
• Works with Maintenance and Engineering teams to identify equipment-related issues affecting process stability, production output, and product quality.
• Participates in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, standardization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensures manufacturing processes follow established quality standards, safety requirements, and company procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related technical field, or combination of education and experience.
• 1 year of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, production engineering, or a related technical environment. Internship or co-op experience is acceptable.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, production workflows, and industrial equipment operations.
• Understanding of manufacturing performance metrics, including production output, yield, cycle time, throughput, and efficiency.
• Familiarity with quality control practices, troubleshooting process, and basic root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel for production data tracking, reporting, and performance analysis.
• Ability to review technical documentation, process specifications, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with production operators, supervisors, and cross-functional departments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and spend significant time on the production floor monitoring processes and supporting production teams.
• Willingness to learn manufacturing technologies, process parameters, and solar production standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during a 12-hour shift.
• Frequently bend, kneel, climb ladders, squat, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.