Process Engineer - 1st Shift

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, documenting, and sustaining manufacturing processes within Bila Solar's highly automated solar module manufacturing operation. This position partners closely with Production, Quality, Equipment Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, and EHS to improve safety, product quality, yield, throughput, scrap, labor efficiency, and overall process stability.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who is comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor, using data to identify opportunities, leading structured root-cause analysis, and converting improvements into scalable standards. This role is especially important as Bila Solar expands production capacity, adds shifts, and builds the next generation of American solar manufacturing.

Bila Solar is driving the next generation of American solar innovation by transforming domestic solar production from our headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana—strengthening the U.S. supply chain and creating advanced manufacturing jobs in clean energy. At Bila Solar, we do not simply make solar panels—we make an impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes for solar module production.
• Monitor and improve process performance using safety, quality, yield, scrap, throughput, cycle-time, downtime, and labor-efficiency data.
• Maintain an active presence on the production floor to observe processes, identify constraints, and support timely resolution of manufacturing issues.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities using methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, Pareto analysis, and 8D.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard work, work instructions, process specifications, control plans, PFMEAs, and training materials.
• Apply statistical process control, capability analysis, designed experiments, and other data-driven methods to improve process stability and performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable improvements to increase output and reduce variation and waste.
• Support new-product introduction, process changes, equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, and production ramp-up.
• Partner with Quality to investigate defects, establish process controls, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Equipment Engineering and Maintenance to improve equipment-process interaction, OEE, reliability, and recovery from downtime events.
• Support Production supervisors and team members with process training, technical guidance, and troubleshooting.
• Evaluate materials, tooling, fixtures, process parameters, and production methods to improve performance and manufacturability.
• Participate in Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement events, including standardization, visual management, waste reduction, and error-proofing.
• Assist with capital projects, vendor coordination, technical specifications, trials, and acceptance activities as assigned.
• Ensure all process changes comply with safety requirements, quality standards, document-control practices, and approved change-management procedures.
• Prepare and communicate technical reports, project updates, process performance summaries, and improvement recommendations.
• Perform other duties and technical projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• Experience: Two or more years of process, manufacturing, industrial, or production engineering experience preferred. Experience in a high-volume, automated manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Experience in solar, electronics, automotive, battery, semiconductor, glass, lamination, or other advanced manufacturing is a plus.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, PFMEA, control plans, and structured problem-solving methods. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, process data, and technical documentation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with statistical-analysis, data-visualization, CAD, MES, ERP, or similar systems is preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Ability to work effectively across departments and with employees at all organizational levels. Comfortable balancing hands-on floor support with project planning, analysis, and documentation. Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Regularly work in both office and manufacturing-floor environments.
• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods while observing or supporting production processes.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and work near manufacturing equipment.
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
• May be exposed to noise, moving equipment, temperature variation, chemicals, and other conditions typical of an industrial manufacturing facility.
• Must follow all PPE, Lockout/Tagout, safety, and clean-work-area requirements.

Success Measures:

• Improved process safety, stability, capability, and repeatability.
• Increased yield, throughput, and first-pass quality.
• Reduced scrap, rework, cycle time, and process-related downtime.
• Timely and effective completion of corrective actions and improvement projects.
• Accurate, current, and usable process documentation and standards.
• Effective partnership with Production, Quality, Equipment Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, and EHS.
• Successful process qualification, production ramp-up, and knowledge transfer.

Benefits:

Bila Solar offers a family-oriented culture paired with the excitement and opportunity of a growing advanced-manufacturing business. Our comprehensive benefits package includes subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company match; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Application Process:

To apply for the Process Engineer – 1st Shift position, please submit your resume detailing your relevant engineering, manufacturing, and continuous-improvement experience. We look forward to learning how you can help Bila Solar advance American solar manufacturing.