... R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process ... Understand key solar cell manufacturing processes. * Familiar with advanced photovoltaic cell ...
... R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process ... Understand key solar cell manufacturing processes. * Familiar with advanced photovoltaic cell ...
Field Service Professional -Dayton, OH
Retirement
PTO
We provide all tools, a cell phone, a tablet, and paid licensing required for job duties. * The ... Experience in cable/satellite install, pest control, construction, or solar is helpful but not ...
Field Service Professional -Dayton, OH
Retirement
PTO
We provide all tools, a cell phone, a tablet, and paid licensing required for job duties. * The ... Experience in cable/satellite install, pest control, construction, or solar is helpful but not ...
Field Service Professional -Dayton, OH
Retirement
PTO
Fully Equipped: We provide all tools, a cell phone, a tablet, and paid licensing required for job ... Technical Aptitude: Experience in cable/satellite install, pest control, construction, or solar ...
Field Service Professional -Dayton, OH
Retirement
PTO
Fully Equipped: We provide all tools, a cell phone, a tablet, and paid licensing required for job ... Technical Aptitude: Experience in cable/satellite install, pest control, construction, or solar ...
Solar Cell Research information
See Ohio salary details
$21.94 - $24.81
4% of jobs
$24.81 - $27.67
11% of jobs
$29.54 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$27.67 - $30.54
16% of jobs
$30.54 - $33.41
12% of jobs
The median wage is $35.20 / hr.
$33.41 - $36.27
13% of jobs
$36.27 - $39.14
12% of jobs
$39.14 - $42.01
6% of jobs
$42.01 - $44.88
2% of jobs
$44.91 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$44.88 - $47.74
22% of jobs
$47.74 - $50.61
2% of jobs
$50.61 - $53.48
1% of jobs
$21
$37
$53
How much do solar cell research jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar cell research in Ohio is $37.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.47 and $45.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are typical career advancement opportunities for someone in solar cell research?
Professionals in Solar Cell Research often begin as research assistants or junior scientists and can progress to roles like lead researcher, laboratory manager, or project coordinator as they gain expertise and experience. Many industry professionals also pursue advanced degrees or certifications, which open doors to senior research, product development, or executive positions within energy companies and academic institutions. Collaboration with engineers, production teams, and external partners also broadens future possibilities, including transitioning into commercial, policy, or teaching roles. Regular involvement in high-impact research projects and publishing findings can further enhance advancement prospects. This career path offers diverse opportunities for growth and specialization as the solar energy sector continues to expand.
What is a solar cell research?
A Solar Cell Research job involves studying, developing, and improving photovoltaic (PV) technologies to enhance solar energy efficiency and affordability. Researchers work on materials, manufacturing processes, and innovative designs to increase energy conversion rates. They may collaborate with engineers, industries, and academic institutions to develop next-generation solar cells. This role often includes laboratory experiments, data analysis, and publishing findings in scientific journals. The goal is to advance solar technology for widespread adoption and sustainability.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in solar cell research, and why are they important?
To thrive in Solar Cell Research, a strong background in materials science, physics, chemistry, or electrical engineering is typically required, supported by at least a bachelor's or advanced degree. Experience with laboratory instruments, photovoltaic simulation software, and safety certifications such as OSHA are highly valued. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and progressing in this field. These competencies are essential for advancing solar technology, ensuring reliable results, and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio?
The most popular types of Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio?
For Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio look for?
The top searched job categories for Solar Cell Research jobs in Ohio are:
Illuminate USA rating
6.9
Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Job Description
In the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA 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 1,500 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. If you're looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.
The Principal SQE Engineer is a senior technical position within Supplier Quality Management, responsible for supplier quality engineering activities related to photovoltaic materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
This role requires close collaboration with Global Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process control, high product quality, and long-term reliability.
The ideal candidate should possess strong knowledge of photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes, advanced quality engineering methodologies, supplier quality management expertise, and experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Supplier Quality Management
2. Supplier Audit & Quality System Management
3. New Supplier Introduction & Advanced Quality Planning
4. Advanced Quality Engineering & Problem Solving
5. Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Process Expertise
6. Manufacturing Process Improvement & Supplier Development
7. Supplier Change Management & Quality Risk Control
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirements
Professional Experience
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.
In the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA 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 1,500 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. If you're looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.
The Principal SQE Engineer is a senior technical position within Supplier Quality Management, responsible for supplier quality engineering activities related to photovoltaic materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
This role requires close collaboration with Global Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, and supplier teams to ensure suppliers have stable manufacturing capability, robust process control, high product quality, and long-term reliability.
The ideal candidate should possess strong knowledge of photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes, advanced quality engineering methodologies, supplier quality management expertise, and experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Supplier Quality Management
- Own supplier quality performance for assigned strategic suppliers and critical materials.
- Lead supplier qualification, supplier onboarding, and supplier capability assessment activities.
- Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability, quality systems, process controls, and production readiness.
- Develop supplier quality improvement strategies and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establish technical partnerships with suppliers and serve as the primary quality technical interface.
- Monitor supplier quality performance through data analysis and drive improvement actions.
2. Supplier Audit & Quality System Management
- Plan and execute supplier audits, including: Quality Management System Audits, Manufacturing Process Audits, Product Audits, Special Process Audits.
- Evaluate supplier compliance with company quality requirements and industry standards.
- Assess supplier quality systems, manufacturing controls, inspection methods, and process capability.
- Identify supplier quality risks and develop risk mitigation plans.
- Drive supplier corrective actions and verify improvement effectiveness.
3. New Supplier Introduction & Advanced Quality Planning
- Lead supplier quality activities during New Product Introduction (NPI), material qualification, and production ramp-up phases.
- Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including: APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), Process Flow Diagram, PFMEA / DFMEA, Control Plan, Inspection Standards and Work Instructions.
- Evaluate supplier production readiness.
- Ensure suppliers establish robust and stable process control systems before mass production.
4. Advanced Quality Engineering & Problem Solving
- Lead analysis, improvement, and closure of complex supplier quality issues.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies: 8D Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Why Analysis, Fishbone Analysis, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action).
- Apply statistical quality tools to improve supplier process capability: SPC (Statistical Process Control), MSA (Measurement System Analysis), GR&R (Gauge Repeatability & Reproducibility), DOE (Design of Experiments), Cp/Cpk Process Capability Analysis.
- Ensure corrective actions are effective, sustainable, and prevent recurrence.
5. Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Process Expertise
- Possess deep technical knowledge and practical experience in photovoltaic cell manufacturing processes.
- Understand key solar cell manufacturing processes.
- Familiar with advanced photovoltaic cell technologies, including: PERC, TOPCon
- Ability to identify quality risks associated with photovoltaic manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.
6. Manufacturing Process Improvement & Supplier Development
- Work with suppliers to improve Manufacturing process capability, Product yield, Defect reduction, Process stability, Product reliability.
- Analyze supplier manufacturing data and identify improvement opportunities.
- Drive data-driven quality decisions through statistical analysis.
- Support process optimization and engineering improvement projects.
- Promote best practices across supplier organizations.
7. Supplier Change Management & Quality Risk Control
- Review and evaluate supplier changes, including: Material changes, Process changes, Equipment changes, Manufacturing location changes and/or Sub-supplier changes.
- Conduct quality risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
- Ensure changes are properly validated and approved before implementation.
- Support engineering change management processes.
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirements
- Master's degree or above in Engineering or related technical fields is required.
- Preferred majors include: Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, Photovoltaic Technology or other related engineering disciplines.
Professional Experience
- 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) or related quality engineering roles.
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience in supplier development, supplier audits, and quality improvement activities.
- Global supplier management and international manufacturing project experience preferred.
- Experience in photovoltaic manufacturing or semiconductor manufacturing preferred.
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.
What Illuminate USA employees say
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About Illuminate USA
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Clean energy semiconductors manufacturing
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Pataskala, OH, US
Year founded
2023