Process and Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Making a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make. 

  Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.

At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.

Our state-of-the art facilities in the US and Canada engineer and design the latest generation of solar products and utilize advanced manufacturing technology to produce  high-efficiency PV cells and modules intended to outperform the market. As a profitable and rapidly expanding company in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the renewable energy industry, Silfab provides you with an incredible opportunity to build your career and contribute to a sustainable future. We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth.  We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.

Together we can create a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.

Summary of Position  

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Process and Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead and oversee the development, optimization, and ongoing support of manufacturing processes within our solar module production operations in Burlington, Washington Facility. This role is essential for driving, improving, and sustaining equipment efficiency, product quality, and maximizing manufacturing line throughput and productivity. The manager will also be responsible for continuous development of the PFMEA, VSMs, and Standard Work Instruction.

This role involves managing teams, developing strategies to improve productivity, and collaborating with other departments to optimize manufacturing operations. They are responsible for everything from hiring and training staff to overseeing project budgets and ensuring quality standards are met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Supervisory and leadership duties:

• Hiring, training, and managing manufacturing engineering staff, including performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Mentoring, coaching and supporting career development of direct reports
• Strong communication skills within department and with other business units, local, corporate and other Silfab Solar plants nationwide.
• Use Silfab values as the backbone to manage and lead the team

Process Development and improvement:

• Developing, implementing, improving and sustaining manufacturing processes, procedures, and standards to optimize production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Responsible for developing and continuous improvement to the PFMEA and VSMs for the product and manufacturing lines.
• Identify and implement kaizen projects to improve productivity & efficiency.
• Support the production team with data and analysis toward resolving other issues including those outside of engineering scope.
• Hands-on root cause analysis on production, engineering, equipment, and maintenance issues.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing principles to enhance overall operational performance.
• Work as a liaison between the New Product Development Team and operations on the implementation of new and future products. Responsible for transforming NPIs from R&D phase into production phase, complying with project gate process.

Project Management:

• Managing manufacturing engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting, ensuring projects are on time and within budget.
• Support the quotation of machinery or equipment required for the processes.
• Project Management: Developing timelines, budgets, and scope of work for projects.
• Projects and process improvements (implementation, analysis, and process improvements)
• Support Equipment Runoff @ OEM
• Collaborating with the Operations Team on Program Deliverables
• PFMEAs Review / Simulation Review / Control Plans / Launch Deliverables
• Support Plant Equipment Install / Debug / Launch / Continuous Improvement
• Actively participate in meetings with the plants to support and meet the project deliverables.
• Support all sites with troubleshooting activities, provide solutions and support for process concerns or improvement.
• Automation troubleshooting, new equipment installation and modifications.
• Ensure equipment and systems comply with relevant standards and legislation.
• Establish equipment installation board and review weekly/daily with OEM and contractors.
• Develop and lead trial runs at all sites.

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Familiarity with design standards in US (i.e., NEC, NFPA 70, etc.) and solid understanding of safety systems design.
• Experience working with and troubleshooting robotics / controls systems, Control Logix PLCs and plant application controls and automation.
• Good oral and written communication skills. Must exhibit professional and courteous communication / interaction under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of self-motivation.
• Demonstrated technical project management experience.
• Strong logical and methodical reasoning capabilities.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when required.
• Familiarity with Variable Frequency Drives and HMIs.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple issues in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex issues.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD software.
• Able to effectively work with external machine builders and system integrators for detail design, build and integration of later stages of machine system implementation.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, Electrical, Electronics, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a fast-paced automated manufacturing industry. 
• Knowledge and experience in the application of Statistical Process Control is preferred.
• Solid understanding of safety of manufacturing systems design.

Compensation and Benefits

• $100,000 - $130,000.00/yearly 
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Employee PV Panel Purchase Program