Senior Solar Module Technology & Automation Lead

Corning, Inc.

Phoenix (AZ)

On-site

USD 174,000 - 240,000

Full time

39 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

401(k) matching up to 4%

Health and life benefits

Job summary

Corning, Inc. is seeking an engineering leader to own module technology strategy and execution with a strong controls and automation foundation. The role sets priorities for the module engineering portfolio, leads and grows technical teams, and builds the organization as the business expands.

It requires balancing immediate factory needs with long-term development. The leader collaborates with cell, wafer, manufacturing, quality, IT, supply chain, and commercial teams to translate roadmaps into

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field. A Master's or PhD is preferred.
10+ years of PV or related high-volume manufacturing experience, with deep module experience.
Deep, demonstrated controls and automation experience in a manufacturing environment. This includes PLC/motion control, robotics, machine vision, SCADA/MES integration, and automated line design and ramp-up.
5+ years leading engineering teams, including managing managers or multiple functions.
Track record of prioritizing and delivering a portfolio of engineering projects with measurable business results.
Track record of hiring, developing, and growing technical organizations, including building teams from scratch or scaling them substantially.
Strong knowledge of module design, materials, manufacturing processes, and reliability and qualification testing.
Good understanding of cell technologies (PERC, TOPCon, HJT, BC) and how cell and wafer attributes affect module performance.
Strong analytical and financial skills, including cost modeling, ROI, DOE, and SPC.
Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to influence executives, peers, and technical teams.
A collaborative, team-first leadership style.
Willingness to travel internationally, including to Asia, as required.

Responsibilities

Set the strategy. Own the module technology and automation roadmap. Align it with business goals for efficiency, cost, reliability and time to market.
Run the portfolio. Prioritize projects on business impact, risk, payback and resource demand. Balance urgent factory support with long-term development. Track KPIs such as CTM loss, line yield, OEE and BOM cost.
Lead controls and automation. Define the architecture and standards for PLC, robotics, machine vision, MES and data connectivity across the module line. Drive SPC, AI/ML inspection and predictive maintenance. Move the factory toward lights-out operation.
Advance module technology. Guide the introduction of TOPCon, HJT and BC modules, and of large-format, bifacial and glass-glass designs. Make sure designs are manufacturable and automatable. Oversee reliability and qualification (IEC/UL).
Cut cost. Lead BOM cost-down and build business cases covering $/W, warranty exposure, yield and payback.
Manage suppliers. Evaluate and benchmark equipment and materials suppliers, including those in China. Recommend make/buy and partnership options.
Build the team. Lead, coach and grow managers and engineers across process, equipment, controls, data, materials, reliability and NPI. Recruit scarce controls, robotics and data talent. Manage budget and headcount.
Partner across the business. Work with cell, IT, quality, manufacturing and customer teams. Represent module technology in executive reviews and customer audits.