Lead Solar Module Automation Engineer

Corning, Inc.; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 106,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Paid parental leave & family support

Life & disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Corning, Inc. in Tolleson, AZ is seeking an Automation Engineer to own the automation and integration of a solar module production line. You will coordinate with Equipment and Controls Engineers, MES, and suppliers to deliver safer, higher-throughput line performance.

You will lead projects from concept through FAT/SAT, troubleshoot MES-to-equipment interfaces, and translate Chinese-language documents while ensuring traceability and data integrity on a fast-paced manufacturing floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of automation or integration engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, including direct experience with solar PV module production lines.
• Demonstrated experience integrating automated equipment (material handling, conveyors, robots, vision systems) including line-level interlocks and machine-to-machine handshakes.
• Experience with MES-to-equipment communication, troubleshooting data, tracking, and handshake failures on a production line.
• Working knowledge of industrial networks and communications (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, serial) and diagnosing equipment network issues.
• Ability to read PLC logic and trace signals on Mitsubishi and/or Inovance systems, or comparable platforms.
• Experience leading automation projects through FAT/SAT and ramp-up, with external suppliers/integrators.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, I/O lists, equipment layouts, and process flow documentation.
• Familiarity with 8D, DMAIC, PDCA, 5 Why, FMEA with strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to spend substantial time on the manufacturing floor and work extended hours as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme heat, cold, and noise with PPE.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and up to 20 lbs frequently.

Responsibilities

• Own the automation and integration of the module line, including handoffs between cell handling, stringing, layup, lamination, framing, junction box, EL/IV test, and packaging stations.
• Design, specify, and implement automation that removes manual handling, reduces breakage and handling damage, and increases throughput.
• Lead machine-to-machine integration: handshakes, signal exchange, interlocks, flow control, and sequencing.
• Analyze line flow, cycle time, bottlenecks, and buffering to identify and deliver automation improvements that raise line throughput and balance.
• Lead automation projects through project lifecycle and hand off clear documentation to Equipment and Controls Engineers.
• Own communication between line equipment and the MES.
• Troubleshoot MES-to-equipment communication failures to resolve root cause.
• Define equipment data interfaces and signal mapping so new/modified equipment is MES-ready, and validate traceability and data integrity before release.
• Lead review/translation of Chinese-language integration documents with suppliers and translation resources.
• Produce English interface specifications, integration drawings, and line-level operating and troubleshooting guides.
• Act as technical point of contact with China-based suppliers and service teams.
• Lead root cause analysis for automation- and integration-related line stoppages; engage Equipment Engineers and Controls Engineers; set roadmap and priorities.

Job description

Corning, Inc. in Tolleson, AZ is seeking an Automation Engineer to own the automation and integration of a solar module production line. You will coordinate with Equipment and Controls Engineers, MES, and suppliers to deliver safer, higher-throughput line performance.

You will lead projects from concept through FAT/SAT, troubleshoot MES-to-equipment interfaces, and translate Chinese-language documents while ensuring traceability and data integrity on a fast-paced manufacturing floor.