Quality Inspector - (Visual and EL) - Night shift

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Illuminate USA in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Quality Inspector – Visual and EL for our new 1.1 million-square-foot factory. You will perform product quality inspections and dispositions for VI and EL defects, ensuring panels meet our high manufacturing standards before shipment.

The role requires attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure, experience in 6S environments, and successful qualification in VI/EL inspections.

Qualifications

• Must have VI and EL inspection competence with documented protocols (GR&R familiarity helpful).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform product quality inspections for VI and EL defects.
• Categorize defects and ensure outgoing products meet quality standards.
• Document inspection results and disposition decisions.
• Support improvement initiatives for efficiency and safety.
• Identify and report quality issues to supervisor.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.

Skills

VI/EL inspection

QA & quality systems

6S workplace

Under pressure

Effective communication

Education

HS diploma / technical associate

Job description

Job Description 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. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

We are currently looking for a Quality Inspector -Visual and EL for our new factory in Columbus, Ohio. This position will be responsible for performing product quality inspections and dispositions related to visual (VI) and electroluminescence (EL) defects, based upon documented inspection and test protocols. He/she will be responsible for VI and EL quality dispositions to ensure that operational and manufacturing quality standards are achieved for all solar panels prior to shipment out of the factory.

Responsibilities

• Perform product quality inspections and review accuracy of defect categories based on documented inspection and test protocols related to visual and electroluminescence-related defects.
• Provide accurate quality defect categorization to ensure that outgoing products conform to high quality standards.
• Perform other manufacturing quality-related tests and inspections or other critical tasks that may be deemed necessary by the Quality Supervisor.
• Monitor, report and document quality inspection defect and disposition data.
• Support activities that will help identify problems associated with product quality inspection and disposition protocols for solar panels and laminates.
• Suggest improvement plans to improve efficiency and safety.
• Ensure all safety policies and processes are followed.

Qualifications

• High School graduate with 5 years’ manufacturing quality experience or an Associate degree in a technical course with 3 years of experience.
• Minimum 2 years experience as quality inspector in semiconductor, electronics or automotive manufacturing inspection with Solar quality inspection, preferred.
• Strong experience in manufacturing operations, quality, safety and work-floor 6S standard required.
• Ability to pass rigorous Visual and EL inspection qualification standards - e.g., defect type examination, Attribute Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R).
• Ability to work under pressure; able to execute, coordinate and communicate effectively.

EEO & Diversity

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.