IQC Associate Engineer

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate USA, located in central Ohio, seeks an Associate IQC Engineer to support incoming material quality for solar module production. You will collaborate with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production to identify material issues and drive quality improvements.

This role requires an Associate degree or higher and hands-on experience with inspection equipment, reading engineering drawings, and applying SPC and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree or above in engineering, materials, mechanical, electrical or related fields.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Hands-on experience with inspection and measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, testing instruments).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; good cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material standards.
• Operate IQC inspection equipment and perform basic maintenance.
• Create, update, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and control plans.
• Document inspection findings and escalations clearly.
• Develop SPC control charts and perform trend analysis.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and support corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor raw material quality issues impacting production lines and resolve issues with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production teams.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

Inspection & measurement equipment

SPC & quality tools

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree or higher in engineering or related field

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Testing instruments

Job description

Job Description IQC Associate Engineer Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, 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 1,600 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.

Job Summary:

The Associate IQC Engineer is responsible for supporting incoming quality control activities for solar module raw materials. This role ensures that all incoming materials meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and inspection criteria. The engineer will work closely with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production teams to identify material issues, perform data analysis, and drive continuous quality improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Incoming Inspection & Equipment Operation Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material standards. Read operating manuals and correctly operate IQC inspection and testing equipment. Perform troubleshooting and basic maintenance of inspection equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and equipment uptime. Create, update, and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, and Control Plans related to IQC activities. Understand inspection criteria and acceptance standards for solar module raw materials. Clearly document inspection findings and escalations as required. Create, update, and maintain SPC control charts for incoming material characteristics. Perform trend analysis and monitor material quality performance over time. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using structured problem‑solving tools and support corrective actions. Monitor raw material quality issues impacting production lines, investigate root causes, and work closely with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production teams to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Associate degree or above (major in Engineering, Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, or related fields preferred). Technical Skills: Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation. Hands‑on experience with inspection and measurement equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges, and testing instruments). Basic knowledge of SPC, quality tools, and data analysis methods. Familiarity with SOPs, Work Instructions, and Control Plans. Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Good communication skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams. Detail‑oriented with a strong sense of quality and accountability. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.

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.