Equipment Manager - Night Shift

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate USA in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking an Equipment Manager to oversee the maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of production equipment at its 1.1 million-square-foot facility.

This leadership role focuses on safe, efficient manufacturing, TPM initiatives, preventive maintenance, spare parts management, and data-driven performance improvements to meet production targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of equipment maintenance or manufacturing maintenance experience.
• 1–3 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems, 6S workplace standards, and CAD/Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of production equipment.
• Lead the team in promptly addressing equipment abnormalities reported by Production.
• Organize and supervise maintenance and repair activities, inspections, and corrective maintenance.
• Manage equipment performance by reducing failures, minimizing downtime, and ensuring efficiency.
• Analyze equipment failures and implement improvements to enhance reliability and performance.
• Support quality objectives by resolving equipment-related issues affecting product quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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 currently seeking an Equipment Manager for our manufacturing facility in the Columbus, Ohio area. This leader is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of production equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior leaders in ensuring reliable equipment operation and support Production in achieving production capacity targets.
• Lead the team in promptly responding to equipment abnormalities reported by Production and ensure issues are resolved as quickly as possible.
• Organize and oversee the maintenance and repair of production equipment, including routine inspections, operational checks, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Manage equipment performance by reducing equipment failures, minimizing downtime, and ensuring critical production equipment operates efficiently.
• Analyze equipment failures and implement improvements to enhance equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Support quality objectives by identifying and resolving equipment-related issues that impact product quality, reducing rework and improving production yield.
• Manage spare parts inventory, including purchasing, receiving, evaluation, safety stock levels, and inventory control to support maintenance activities while reducing costs.
• Ensure daily equipment maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance (PM) plans to maintain production equipment in optimal operating condition.
• Promote Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives and support equipment precision management throughout the production operation.
• Collect, analyze, and report maintenance data while maintaining accurate maintenance records, PM documentation, equipment manuals, and related technical documentation.
• Lead equipment improvement and technical transformation projects to improve overall equipment efficiency and operational performance.
• Promote the adoption of new technologies and equipment that improve product quality, reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and enhance working conditions.
• Develop, coach, and train maintenance team members by creating training plans that strengthen technical skills and support long-term succession planning.
• Support and enforce the company's confidentiality policies by protecting proprietary manufacturing processes, equipment information, and technical documentation.
• Partner with the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) team to promote a safe work environment, participate in safety inspections, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with all company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field required.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in equipment maintenance, manufacturing maintenance, or a related technical field.
• One (1) to three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of industrial manufacturing equipment, maintenance operations, and equipment reliability principles.
• Experience leading maintenance teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production safety practices.
• Experience interpreting mechanical drawings and working with CAD software.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems, 6S workplace standards, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated curiosity, continuous learning mindset, and a passion for driving operational improvement.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, self-motivation, and professionalism.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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, and innovative workplace as we embark upon this unique and exciting journey!