The Manufacturing Quality Manager leads all quality-related activities within the solar module manufacturing plant and handles ensuring that products consistently meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. This role oversees the quality management system, incoming and production quality controls, product testing, supplier and customer quality issues, and nonconforming material management. The Plant Quality Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, reduce quality-related losses, strengthen traceability, and build a culture where quality is understood as a shared responsibility across the organization.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and support the Quality Management System (QMS) per ISO 9001 and applicable quality standards.
- Oversee incoming, in-process, and final quality inspections, testing activities, audits, and control plans throughout the manufacturing process.
- Ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and applicable solar module standards.
- Monitor quality performance, find trends, and lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
- Lead internal audits and support external audits conducted by customers, certification bodies, and regulatory organizations.
- Manage customer complaints, product quality concerns, and corrective responses.
- Supervise, train, and develop Quality team members.
- Promote quality awareness, continuous improvement, and adherence to established procedures throughout the organization.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Procurement, Supply Chain, and other departments to resolve quality issues and improve manufacturing processes.
- Use quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, 8D, CAPA, MSA, Control Plans and root cause analysis to reduce defects, scrap, and process variation.
- Review and support solar module testing, including EL testing, I-V curve testing, mechanical load testing, thermal cycling, and other applicable tests.
- Prepare and present quality metrics, audit results, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives to management.
- Ensure quality activities are performed in accordance with company safety and environmental requirements.
- Lead supplier quality activities including supplier qualification, performance monitoring, corrective actions, and supplier audits.
- Establish and manage processes for identification, segregation, disposition, and reporting of nonconforming materials and products.
- Ensure full product and material traceability throughout the manufacturing process and maintain records in accordance with customer, regulatory, and certification requirements.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced certifications in quality management (e.g., ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Six Sigma Black Belt, CQE) are preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in quality control or quality assurance within manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.
- Experience in the solar panel or renewable energy manufacturing industry is highly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of quality standards for solar panels (e.g., IEC 61215, IEC 61730).
- Knowledge of supplier quality management, supplier audits, and corrective action processes.
- Expertise in quality tools and methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, 8D problem-solving, and root cause analysis.
- Familiarity with solar panel testing processes (e.g., EL testing, thermal cycling, mechanical load testing, I-V curve testing).
- Understanding of product traceability systems and manufacturing record management.Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to supporting high-quality standards.
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent (preferred)
- Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
- Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and ERP software.
Key Competencies:
- Quality Management & Compliance
- Manufacturing Quality Control
- Root Cause Analysis & CAPA
- Continuous Improvement
- Audit Management
- Data Analysis & Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership & Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Customer Quality Management
- Process Improvement & Risk Management
Translucent Solar Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
Translucent Solar LLC is an American solar module manufacturer located in Summerville, SC. The company produces high-performance photovoltaic modules for the Residential, Commercial & Industrial (C&I), community solar, and utility-scale markets, enabling customers to access reliable U.S.-made products, domestic content benefits, and a resilient supply chain. Through advanced manufacturing, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality, Translucent Solar is helping power America's clean energy future.
