Process Team Leader

Qcell; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS in Dalton, GA is seeking a Process Team Leader to guide the Process Engineering and Technician groups in a 24/7 solar module manufacturing environment. You will drive line optimization, improve yield, and ensure quality targets with deep technical expertise.

You will lead cross-functional teams, implement Six Sigma and Lean practices, maintain ISO 9001/14001 compliance, and develop documentation like PFMEAs and SOPs while mentoring engineers and technicians toward career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Materials, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field).
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience with solar/module/semiconductor or display processes.
• Minimum 2–3 years in a Team Leader, Manager, or Lead Engineer role.
• Deep understanding of solar module manufacturing processes (Tabber/Stringer, Laminator, J-Box, EL/Flash Testing).
• Bilingual in Korean and English.
• Leadership, communication, and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Process Engineering team and Process Technicians across all shifts.
• Establish shift handover protocols and ensure 24/7 line coverage and KPI tracking.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop team members with clear development plans.
• Oversee QA standards, process recipes, and testing protocols to meet yield/CTM targets.
• Drive process improvements, cost reductions, and maintain engineering documentation (PFMEAs, Control Plans, SOPs).
• Utilize data tools (Six Sigma, Power BI, MES/SAP) to monitor line stability and yield trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Bilingual Korean/English

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Power BI

MES/SAP

Job description

Description

PROCESS TEAM LEADER

Reports to: COO

Location: Dalton, GA

Classification: Salary (Exempt)

Grade: G4

SUMMARY

The Process Team Leader is responsible for leading, directing, and empowering the Process Engineering and Technician teams to achieve manufacturing line optimization, high-yield quality excellence, and operational target goals. This role requires strategic leadership, deep technical expertise in solar module manufacturing (Cell-to-Module optimization, Lamination, Tabber/Stringer, EL inspection), and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean) to drive process stability, defect/cell loss reduction, cross-functional collaboration, and team member development in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, manage, and motivate the Process Engineering team and Process Technicians across all shifts.
• Establish shift handover protocols and manage line engineering coverage for continuous 24/7 operations.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, set clear KPIs, and manage individual development plans for team members.
• Plan and execute overall team tasks, resource allocation, and shift/day operational priorities.
• Mentor engineers and technicians to advance technical skill sets, problem-solving capabilities, and career progression.

2. Process & Quality Assurance Management

• Establish, monitor, and maintain quality assurance standards, process recipes, and inspection/testing protocols to meet or exceed plant yield and CTM (Cell-to-Module) target goals.
• Oversee immediate root-cause analysis (RCA) and emergency countermeasure implementation for critical line issues, cell breakage, and defect spikes (e.g., micro-cracks, lamination bubbles).
• Ensure strict adherence to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards across all manufacturing processes.

3. Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Initiate, manage, and drive plant-wide process improvement projects focused on enhancing operational effectiveness (OE), job effectiveness (JE), minimizing cell loss/scrap, and lowering operational costs.
• Act as a key change agent to systematically implement process changes, recipe tuning, and flexible automation through cross-functional collaboration with Production, Equipment, Quality, and EHS teams.
• Develop, standardize, and maintain engineering documentation: PFMEAs, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

4. Data Analysis & Performance Reporting

• Utilize data-driven decision-making tools (e.g., Six Sigma, Power BI, MES/SAP/EMI data) to track line stability, CTM gains, yield trends, and loss pareto analyses.
• Establish regular departmental reporting metrics to keep executive management informed on plant improvement progress and strategic initiatives.

5. Safety & Environment

• Partner closely with the EHS team to enforce workplace safety regulations, lead safety improvement projects, and minimize incident risks across all lines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Materials, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field).
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing industry experience, with a strong focus on solar module, semiconductor, or display manufacturing processes.
• Minimum 2~3 years of experience in a Team Leader, Manager, or Lead Engineer role.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of solar module manufacturing processes (Tabber/Stringer, Laminator, J-Box, EL/Flash Testing), equipment capabilities, and defect mechanisms.
• Bilingual in Korean and English
• Leadership & Soft Skills:

- Proven leadership and people management capabilities with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.

- Ability to articulate complex technical issues clearly to both executive management and shop-floor technicians.

- Strong analytical problem-solving mindset and data-driven decision-making approach.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional certifications in Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or Power BI/Data Analytics tools.
• Strong experience with quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
• Cross-functional work experience across Quality, Equipment/Maintenance, or R&D departments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to stand and walk through the production area throughout the workday
• Able to lift to 50 pounds without restriction
• Reaching, pushing, pulling, or lifting as required within limits set by Q Cells
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Hanwha Q CELLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.