What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Engineer position at Silfab Solar?
Company Description
Making a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.
Silfab Solar is the leading automated solar panel manufacturing facility in North America. We are an international leader in the development, manufacturing, distribution, and innovation of high efficiency PV modules, operating with Just-In-Time manufacturing and leveraging over 40 years of solar experience. Our multiple state of the art facilities, utilize advanced manufacturing technology to produce solar modules with superior performance and reliability specifically designed for the North American market.
At Silfab Solar, our team members have been actively shaping sustainable solutions since its inception and we are looking to grow our team of 700 experts who are dedicated to our mission and to evolving technology for the next generation of solar products.
Job Description
Summary of Position
The Research Engineer will serve as the technical cornerstone for 1-2 high-priority projects, driving them to completion with a focus on deep technical execution. This role is designed for someone with a solid foundation of experience, capable of taking ownership of projects while contributing to the team's overall goals.
Qualifications
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Own and execute the technical development of 1-2 key R&D projects from concept through to validation and deployment.
- Design, prototype, test, and refine systems, materials, or processes as dictated by project needs.
- Maintain meticulous documentation to support project transparency and ensure smooth hand-offs when required.
- Provide light project leadership, including mentoring junior team members or technicians assigned to support the projects.
- Contribute to R&D strategy discussions by sharing insights gained from project work.
Skills
- Proficient with data analysis tools and methods; Excel and Python preferred, with experience in JMP, R, or similar platforms as a plus.
- Familiarity with basic tools like ImageJ, with potential for implementing more advanced automation techniques in image analysis.
- Comfortable with using basic electrical and mechanical tools for repairing equipment and creating solar modules by hand.
- Strong skills in experimental process design, execution, measurement, data collection, and analysis.
Traits
- Ability to independently drive projects forward, taking ownership without requiring external prompting.
- Capable of sharing results effectively with stakeholders while maintaining excellent organizational practices throughout.
Experience
- 3-7 years of hands-on experience in R&D roles with a proven track record of taking projects from concept to implementation.
- Direct experience with PV module manufacturing processes, including materials selection, assembly techniques, and quality control protocols.
- Familiarity with PV module testing methodologies, including reliability, performance, and environmental testing.
- Expertise in laser-based processing systems, such as laser ablation, scribing, or welding, and their integration into manufacturing workflows.
Education:
- Required: Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or related field.
- Preferred: Master's degree in a relevant field, or a combination of advanced coursework and hands-on experience in PV module development or laser-based processing systems.
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $90,000 - $130,000
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Health Savings Account option
- Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
Salary : $90,000 - $130,000
