Senior Production Engineering Manager (Solar Manufacturing)

Quick Facts

• Role: Senior Production Engineering Manager for solar manufacturing (crystalline silicon)
• Focus: Equipment and process engineering across ingot/wafer/cell operations
• Scope: Greenfield launch, ramp, and multi-shift high-volume manufacturing

Description

You will lead production engineering strategy and execution for crystalline silicon solar manufacturing at 100 GW scale, spanning equipment and process engineering. Own process robustness, data-driven OEE/yield/quality targets, and reliable high-volume performance from launch through sustaining. This is a hands-on senior leadership role that builds and mentors engineering and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop managers, engineers, and technical staff to meet engineering goals
• Own the production engineering plan for assigned processes from readiness through stable high-volume performance
• Set and drive data-driven targets for OEE, yield, cycle time, scrap, and process capability; run daily metrics reviews and escalation rhythms
• Own process control strategy (control plans, PFMEA, process windows, MES/data systems) to ensure robust, repeatable, audit-ready production
• Lead structured problem-solving and continuous improvement (DOE, root cause analysis, lean) for chronic losses in yield, quality, and equipment effectiveness
• Partner with cross-functional teams on new product/process introductions, equipment upgrades, and change control
• Ensure safety and environmental standards on the floor, supporting incident leadership and strong 5S/operating discipline

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent experience
• 12+ years in high-volume manufacturing; 9+ years leading engineering and/or operations teams
• Proven track record ramping complex automated processes from pilot/launch to volume with yield, OEE, and quality outcomes through other leaders
• Hands-on fluency with lean manufacturing, process control, PFMEA/control plans, DOE, and root cause methods
• Strong use of production data, MES, and metrics storytelling for decision-making
• Familiarity with crystalline silicon process families (crystal pulling, wafering, wet process/texturing/cleaning, deposition, screen printing, laser operations)
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills for hiring, coaching, and developing teams in a 24/7 environment
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Benefits

• Medical plans (multiple options, $0 payroll deduction) and HSA support with eligible plans
• Dental and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
• Family-building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Flexible spending accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D; short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off (flex time for salary roles, accrued hours for hourly roles) and paid holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, pet insurance)
• Weight loss and tobacco cessation programs; Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits; employee discounts and perks