Summary of Position
As an R&D Reliability Engineer, you will be responsible for driving the research and development initiatives focused on the reliability and durability of our solar panel products. Working within the R&D team, you will contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of the industry.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the R&D team to conduct research and experiments aimed at enhancing the efficiency, performance, and reliability of solar products. Stay informed about the latest developments and innovations in the solar industry and propose ideas for new product features or improvements.
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate the reliability of new solar technologies and materials. Analyze test data and provide insights to guide decision-making in product development and material selection.
- Responsible for developing comprehensive test plans and generating detailed reports of product performance and degradation through reliability testing.
- Perform root cause studies and defect analysis for extended reliability testing failures
- Responsible for managing and maintaining internal reliability testing equipment with the goal of maximizing equipment utilization and ensuring all equipment is operating within required specifications
- Ensure Silfab follows industry standard protocols for extended reliability testing (including IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and IEC 63209) and work to develop new test methods when necessary
- Execute on the internal qualification of new products, new materials and new material combinations.
- Utilize analytical tools and software to process and interpret research data. Present findings and results to the R&D team and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and quality to integrate research findings into the product development process. Maintain effective communication channels to exchange knowledge and progress updates.
- Support all activities relevant to new product introduction (NPI) of new designs/product and engineering change management.
- Participate in the selection of strategic suppliers for standard product supply as well as R&D activities.
- Lead the root cause failure analysis for products returning from the field via RMA/RCA process as well as third-party test samples
- Establish internal processes that standardize all testing procedures and analysis tasks related to reliability testing
- Support the R&D team in establishing processes as per ISO 17025 with the goal of performing internal certification testing.
- Lead continual improvement processes with regards to new product development and engineering change management
- Ensure all R&D activities adhere to safety regulations and compliance requirements.
Skills
- Proficiency in conducting experiments, data analysis, and using relevant software tools.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and analytically to overcome technical challenges.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively present research findings and interact with team members and stakeholders.
Traits
- A strong passion for renewable energy and an innovative mindset to envision and explore new possibilities in solar technology.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and contribute to collective research goals.
- Willingness to embrace new ideas, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a dynamic R&D setting.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, related field or equivalent experience.
- 2-6 years in an R&D or product engineering environment, preferably in the renewable energy or solar industry.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Market Wages
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program