Director, System Test and Validation

Qcells North America; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Director of System Test and Validation to lead the System Test team and own end-to-end testing for solar modules, inverters, ESS, energy management, and software for the North American market.

You will interface with development and QA, expand the Santa Clara lab, and oversee hardware, systems, and software testing efforts, with travel about 20%. This role reports to the Head of System Integration Engineering and requires a BS in engineering

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering or related field required; MS preferred.
• 8–12 years in solar modules/inverters/ESS hardware and firmware.
• End-to-end system test experience and test plan development.
• Strong communication to technical and executive levels.
• Experience with HW/SW test automation and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Define, document, and execute comprehensive product test strategy programs.
• Define and execute test reports and records management programs.
• Lead and develop a team of hardware, systems, and software engineers focused on testing and validation.
• Collaborate with cross functional hardware and software organizations to meet system level test requirements.
• Collaborate with Product Management to ensure Alpha test plans meet user requirements.
• Propose and lead test laboratory capability expansion of Santa Clara and other facilities.
• Lead automation initiatives for testing.
• Collaborate with Deployment teams on Beta programs.
• Collaborate with external testing partners.
• Stay abreast of industry test standards and methods.
• Foster a team culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.

Skills

Leadership

System testing

Test strategy

Python

Data analytics

Cross-functional collab

Communication

Test automation

Education

B.S. in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Physics or related)

MS preferred

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Excel

Job description

Position Description

The System Integration Engineering Team is seeking an experienced, bright, self-motivated Director of System Test and Validation to lead the System Test team.

The successful candidate will own both the end-to-end system testing strategy and laboratory expansion strategy for Qcells existing and next generation products including AC Modules, Inverters, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Energy Management, and integrated software for the North American market. This position will interface between development and QA to ensure Qcells solutions meet product, functional, and performance requirements.

This position reports to the Head of System Integration Engineering Team. This position will be based out of Santa Clara, CA R&D Center. Travel is expected to be 20% to test facilities and Qcells offices.

Responsibilities

• Define, document, and execute comprehensiveproduct test strategy programs.
• Define and execute test reports and records management programs.
• Lead and develop a team of hardware, systems, and software engineers focused on testing and validation.
• Collaborate with cross functional hardware and software organizations to meet system level test requirements and processes.
• Collaborate with Product Management to ensure objective Alpha test plans meet user acceptance and product requirements.
• Propose and lead test laboratory capability expansion of Santa Clara and other laboratory facilities.
• Propose and lead automation initiatives for testing.
• Collaborative with Deployment teams on Beta programs.
• Collaborate with external testing partners.
• Stay abreast of industry test standards and methods.
• Foster a team culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Physics or related field) required, MS preferred.
• 8-12 years of technical expertise in solar modules, solar inverters, energy storage, and grid-tied/off grid HW and FW/SW systems.
• Extensive experience in complex system product level testing of features and functions.
• Extensive experience in end-to-end product level testing of complex systems, including validation of features and functional performance
• Experience writing test plans based on user stories or user acceptance requirements.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical teams and executive leadership. Experience with IOT communication, databases, and command/control for solar/ESS products.
• Experience with HW and SW test automation best practices.
• Experience with hardware in the loop testing principles.
• Experience working with hardware and software development teams.
• Experience testing apps and user interface tools.
• Proficiency in programing in python or other languages.
• Experience with data science and analytics on large data sets.
• Ability and proven experience to think creatively, learn quickly, and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Well-organized and proven ability to manage both individual and collaborative team projects.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and with multiple teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong communication skills with multi-national teammates in US and other countries
• Flexible, cross-functional, pro-active, can-do attitude.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite of products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Proficient in Atlassian suite of SW tools (confluence, JIRA)

Preferred Qualifications

• Team budget forecasting
• Lab infrastructure planning and development
• Lab and outdoor testing experience
• Experience in solar HW and SW regulatory compliance
• Experience testing with 3rd party products
• Field and Applications experience
• Experience with O&M and installer partners to ensure we meet their needs
• Experience working in a start-up or fast-paced growth environment
• Experience working in a global company with multi-national teammates in US and other countries
• Experience working with colleagues with different primary languages

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Mobility

• Standing 20% of time
• Sitting 70% of time
• Walking 10% of time

Strength

• Pulling up to 10 Pounds
• Pushing up to 10 Pounds
• Carrying up to 10 Pounds
• Lifting up to 10 Pounds

Dexterity

(F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

• Typing F
• Handling F
• Reaching F

Agility

• Turning F
• Twisting F
• Bending O
• Crouching O
• Balancing N
• Climbing N
• Crawling N
• Kneeling N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

• This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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