Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Roxboro, NC

Power a Sustainable Future with Us 
At Sunlight Batteries USA, we are driven by a shared purpose: to deliver innovative energy solutions that improve lives and protect the environment. Our team is passionate about advancing battery technology and energy storage systems that power industries and communities around the world.

Your Impact

As an Industrial Engineer, you will play a critical role in supporting and optimizing lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations. You will drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency by analyzing manufacturing processes, identifying opportunities for automation and continuous improvement, and collaborating across departments to solve complex operational challenges.

In this role, your contributions will directly influence production performance, product quality, and the scalability of manufacturing operations. Through data-driven decision making, process standardization, and technical problem-solving, you will help create a safer, more efficient, and more reliable manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

Process Optimization & Manufacturing Support

• Analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing workflows for lithium-ion battery assembly operations.
• Conduct time studies, motion analysis, and line balancing activities to improve throughput, efficiency, and labor utilization.
• Monitor and analyze key manufacturing performance metrics including OEE, cycle time, scrap rates, downtime, and productivity trends.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements that enhance operational performance and product quality.
• Design and optimize plant layouts, workstation ergonomics, and material flow to support safe and efficient operations.

Automation, Welding & Technical Support

• Support and continuously improve laser welding processes utilized in battery module assembly operations.
• Partner with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues and drive sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with automation and controls teams to support KUKA robotic welding systems and robotic manufacturing cells.
• Apply robotics and automation knowledge to improve manufacturing reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance production efficiency.

Documentation, Systems & Standards

• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation to support current and future product launches.
• Maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and support production data management within SAP.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with company safety standards, quality requirements, and battery handling procedures.
• Support process validation activities and documentation requirements related to manufacturing changes.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Conduct root cause investigations and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve operational stability and product quality.
• Utilize data analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and improve manufacturing performance.
• Support implementation of best practices that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to achieve operational goals.
• Provide technical support and training as needed to ensure successful process implementation and adoption.
• Support new equipment, process improvements, and manufacturing readiness initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 1-2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Lean Manufacturing principles
  • Process optimization methodologies
  • Time studies and work measurement techniques
  • Continuous improvement tools and practices
• Basic knowledge of laser welding processes, preferably within battery manufacturing, metal assembly, or related industries.
• Exposure to KUKA robotic systems, including KUKA Robot Control (KRC) and Smart Pendant functionality.
• Working knowledge of SAP, including production, inventory, or manufacturing-related modules.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within lithium-ion battery manufacturing, lead-acid battery manufacturing, automotive, or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with robotic automation systems and automated manufacturing cells.
• Basic PLC troubleshooting or programming knowledge.
• Experience using AutoCAD or facility/layout design software.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of welding quality standards, inspection methods, and process validation techniques.
• Experience supporting new equipment launches, production ramp-ups, or manufacturing process development.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing and plant floor environment.
• Regular exposure to battery materials, welding operations, automation systems, and industrial equipment.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Eligibility Requirements

• Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this position.