Solar Module Technology Manager

Corning, Inc.; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 174,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

401(k) matching up to 4%

Medical/dental/vision

Paid time off

Job summary

Corning, Inc. seeks an engineering leader to own module technology strategy with a strong foundation in controls and automation.

The leader will set priorities for the module engineering portfolio, lead and develop technical people, and translate technology roadmaps into a ranked set of projects that improve module power, reliability, cost, and manufacturability. The role requires collaboration with cell, wafer, manufacturing, quality, IT, supply chain and commercial teams, and involves

Qualifications

• 10+ years PV/high-volume manufacturing experience with module exposure.
• Deep controls and automation experience in manufacturing: PLC, robotics, vision, SCADA/MES.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams and managers.
• Track record delivering a portfolio of engineering projects with measurable business results.
• Strong knowledge of module design, materials, processes, reliability and testing.
• Excellent English communication; able to influence executives and teams.
• Willing to travel internationally, including Asia.

Responsibilities

• Set the module technology and automation roadmap aligned with business goals for efficiency, cost, reliability and time to market.
• Prioritize projects by impact, risk, payback and resource demand; balance factory support with long-term development.
• Define architecture and standards for PLC, robotics, machine vision, MES and data connectivity; drive SPC and AI/ML inspection.
• Guide introduction of TOPCon, HJT and BC modules; ensure designs are manufacturable and automatable.
• Lead BOM cost-down and build business cases including $/W, yield and payback.
• Evaluate suppliers; make/buy and partnership options.
• Build and grow managers and engineers across process, equipment, controls, data, materials, reliability and NPI.
• Collaborate with cell, IT, quality, manufacturing and customer teams; present in executive reviews.

Skills

Module technology

Controls and automation

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

PLC/Motion control

Robotics

Machine vision

SCADA/MES

OPC-UA

Job description

The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Requisition Number: 79789
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations– not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Our Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be a part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an engineering leader to own module technology strategy and execution, with a strong foundation in controls and automation. The leader will set priorities for the module engineering portfolio, lead and develop technical people, and build the organization as the business grows. The leader will turn technology roadmaps into a ranked set of projects that improve module power, reliability, cost, and manufacturability. Many of these gains will come from better equipment control, automation, inline inspection, and data-driven process management.
This is a leadership role first. The right candidate combines a strong module background with deep controls and automation experience. They also have the judgment to decide what to work on, what to stop, and who should do it. The leader will work closely with cell, wafer, manufacturing, quality, IT, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Key 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.

Experiences/Education - Required

• 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.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience in other high-volume, highly automated industries, such as semiconductor, display, battery, or electronics manufacturing.
• Experience with MES, SECS/GEM, OPC-UA, data historians, and factory analytics. Experience with AI/ML for inspection or process control is also valued.
• Experience with industrial standards and safety (IEC 61131, ISO 13849, IEC 62061, IEC 62443) and with FAT/SAT practices.
• Experience at a leading module manufacturer, equipment OEM, automation integrator, or materials supplier.
• Experience with new factory start-up, technology transfer, or rapid ramp-up.
• Experience with bifacial, glass-glass, large-format, or n-type module platforms.
• Experience working with Asian suppliers and manufacturing teams, and comfort working across cultures and languages. Mandarin Chinese is a plus but is not required.
• Formal training in lean, Six Sigma, stage-gate, or program management.
• Familiarity with cell and wafer manufacturing, including CZ crystal growth and wire-saw slicing.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $174,369.00 - $239,758.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].