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Solar Operations Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Illuminate USA

Reliability Engineer

Pataskala, OH · On-site

$98K - $124K/yr

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western ... Develop, execute, and manage a variety of daily reliability tests to determine performance ...

Illuminateusa

Reliability Engineer

Pataskala, OH

$98K - $124K/yr

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western ... Develop, execute, and manage a variety of daily reliability tests to determine performance ...

Illuminate USA

NPI Engineer

Pataskala, OH · On-site

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western ... This position focuses on managing material trials, improving the manufacturability of solar module ...

Illuminateusa

NPI Engineer

Pataskala, OH

Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western ... This position focuses on managing material trials, improving the manufacturability of solar module ...

Illuminate USA

Production Planner Senior

Pataskala, OH · On-site

... operational execution, enabling the plant to achieve efficiency and on-time delivery of high-quality solar panels. Key Responsibilities: Production Planning Management: * Work with the Planning ...

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All JobsSolar Operations Manager JobsSolar Operations Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH

Solar Operations Manager information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$29K

$59.3K

$110.7K

How much do solar operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar operations manager in Columbus, OH is $59,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,300.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Solar Operations Manager faces when overseeing multiple solar sites?

A Solar Operations Manager often contends with challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules across geographically dispersed sites, managing real-time performance data, and responding promptly to system outages or technical issues. Balancing the demands of regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and cost efficiency is also crucial. To address these challenges, strong communication with technicians, clear documentation practices, and effective use of monitoring software are essential. Collaboration with engineering teams and external service providers further supports smooth operations and minimizes downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Operations Manager, and why are they important?

A Solar Operations Manager needs expertise in solar energy systems, operations management, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and industry certifications like NABCEP is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient plant performance, safety compliance, and the successful delivery of renewable energy projects.

What does a Solar Operations Manager do?

A Solar Operations Manager oversees the daily operations and maintenance of solar energy facilities to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Their responsibilities include monitoring system output, managing maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating repairs or upgrades as needed. They also analyze performance data, prepare reports for stakeholders, and work to minimize downtime while maximizing the energy output of solar installations. This role requires a strong understanding of solar technology, project management skills, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly.

What is the difference between Solar Operations Manager vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectSolar Operations ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., NABCEP), experience in operationsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees daily operations, maintenance, and team managementDesign, planning, and technical analysis of solar projects
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, solar firms, project developersEngineering firms, project developers, EPC contractors
Search & Comparison IntentOperational roles, team management, maintenanceDesign, technical planning, project development

The Solar Operations Manager focuses on overseeing daily operations, maintenance, and team management within solar projects, ensuring smooth functioning. In contrast, the Solar Project Engineer concentrates on designing, planning, and technical aspects of solar projects during development. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different functions related to project lifecycle stages.

What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Solar Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Solar Operations Manager job openings:
Solar Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Operations Manager job openings in Columbus, OH as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,290 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Reliability Engineering Manager

Illuminate USA

Pataskala, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Illuminate USA rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, 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 1,600 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.
Job Summary:
reports to: Vice President - Quality
The Reliability Engineering Manager shall oversee the following programs:
  • Reliability Test Laboratory Operations.
  • Reliability Test Engineering.
  • Reliability Qualification, Monitoring and Assurance.
  • Company-wide Calibration.

This role will lead, mentor and manage a team of reliability and test engineering professionals ranging from team managers, supervisors, engineers and technicians.
This group ensures the highest operational and technical standards/methods in solar panel reliability engineering to ensure that products are properly qualified and tested to support a 30-year power performance warranty.
The Reliability Engineering Manager leads the strategy, development and execution of product reliability programs covering multiple solar panel product models and technology types. This ensures that solar modules are designed, manufactured and validated to meet long-term performance requirements in demanding environmental conditions. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in reliability engineering, operational and efficiency-focused mass-scale laboratory operations, strong leadership skills and experience in solar PV, electronics, material science, or related industries.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operate and optimize the reliability laboratory to run in full-scale mode to serve internal and customer-related test requests, while maintaining compliance to laboratory management systems (i.e., ISO/IEC 17025).
  • Lead the planning and execution of reliability laboratory expansions, including equipment selection and procurement, facility layout optimization, capability development and long-term infrastructure planning.
  • Build and scale laboratory capabilities by developing new test methods, expand stress testing capacity and ensuring the lab meets current and future qualification needs.
  • Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Process Engineering, Equipment Engineering and Production to support initiatives in NPI, product qualification and on-going reliability testing, in compliance with IEC 61215, UL 61730 and other product standards.
  • Lead reliability assurance activities and root cause analysis for reliability qualification and/or product test failures using structured problem solving and experimentation methodologies such as 8D, DOEs, FMEA and Weibuill Analysis; identify reliability risks and implement corrective actions.
  • Interface with Quality and other cross-functional teams to drive the company-level calibration program and ensure that inspection and measurement tools are calibrated on a timely basis.
  • As necessary, interface with customer representatives or third-party auditors to support customer-required laboratory testing.
  • Maintain and analyze reliability KPIs, trend data and power degradation metrics, present reliability findings and recommendations.
  • Other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned due to criticality and urgency.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with 12+ years manufacturing experience in one or more of the following industries: solar, electronics, semiconductor or automotive.
  • 10+ years of experience in reliability leadership role, with focus on reliability engineering investigations and large-scale lab operations; 5 years minimum handling medium-sized teams.
  • Strong knowledge of accelerated testing, reliability modeling, statistics and validation methodologies.
  • Proficiency in tolls such as Weibull Analysis, FMEA, Minitab/JMP, DOE and root cause analysis.
  • Excellent leadership, written and verbal communication and project management skills; demonstrated capacity for rapid learning, self-discipline, continual improvement to meet organizational goals effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Engineering or Science
  • Experience with IEC/UL PV module testing and laboratory accreditation (e.g., ANAB, CNAS or UL DAP Program).
  • Knowledge of solar manufacturing processes: soldering, lamination, post-lamination processes, AI/EL inspection, etc.
  • Familiar with IEC 61215 and UL 61730.
  • Experience in high-volume data management and reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.
Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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