VP of Automation Robotics Engineering

Description

Title: Vice President of Automation Robotics Engineering
Department: Technology Center
Location: US, Remote
Supervisor: Head of Tech Center, Executive Vice President
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status: Remote

VP OF AUTOMATION ROBOTICS ENGINEERING

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced VP of Automation Robotics Engineering to lead the charge in robotics solutions for our growing automation engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for architecting and implementing robotics solutions that align with the automation strategy and collaborating with different teams to carry-out robotics projects. This position reports to the Head of Tech Center, Executive Vice President or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Remote and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and implement advanced control algorithms for robotic systems, including motion planning, trajectory generation, and sensor fusion.
• Translate product-level requirements into technical design criteria.
• Lead the development and integration of robotic hardware and software components.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of robotics systems to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Research, develop, implement, and test new capabilities for industrial robotics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of robotics solutions into complex systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Stay up to date on the latest advancements in robotics and control technologies to drive innovation and improve product performance.
• Become intimately familiar with Qcells technology stack.
• Identify inefficient operational processes and training gaps and propose solutions to R&D and project management.
• Participate in new product and process tests and evaluations for improved product to R&D.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, a related robotics-focused field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 15 years of professional experience in R&D and/or engineering leadership.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex robotics systems to market.
• Demonstrated ability, either through previous projects, advanced education/research, and/or knowledge of the robotics field.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance (e.g. CE, FCC, UL), safety standards, risk assessment, product definition (sensors, power and electronics components).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical skills and troubleshooting skills.
• Founder’s mentality: Entrepreneurial passion for getting things done and a “make it happen” attitude with an intellectual curiosity to seek new opportunities.
• Skill and Behavior: Capability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced and technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills. Results-oriented, “can-do” attitude, and “get things done” mentality; comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; no compromise on attention to quality and details.
• Technology fluency: Demonstrated ability to understand solar engineering and technology concepts, question assumptions, and make informed product and technology decisions. Technical understanding of automation, robotics, computer vision, machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, is a plus.
• Availability to travel frequently Full-time onsite position, primarily US-based project sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years extensive hands-on utility-scale solar experience with a solid understanding of standard practices.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as C , Python.
• Experience programming PLC/HMI, Robot.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 20% as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.