Sr. Director, Mechanical Engineering - Automation & Robotics

Description

Title: Sr. Director, Mechanical Engineering - Automation & Robotics

Department: Technology Center

Location: United States

Supervisor: Vice President, Product R&D

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status : Remote

Sr. DIRECTOR, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

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 a Director, Mechanical Engineering for robotics solutions for our growing automation engineering team and leading the design, integration, and deployment of cutting-edge robotic systems that will revolutionize utility-scale solar projects. This leader will oversee mechanical engineering efforts for field-based automation. 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 30%.

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 Mechanical Engineering, or a related robotics-focused field, or equivalent industry experience.

15+ years of proffesional expererience in Mechanical engineering

Proven background in designing and deploying robotic automated equipment into outdoor environments such as solar fields

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.

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 primarily US-based project sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years extensive hands-on utility-scale solar experience with solid understanding of standard practices

EXAMPLES OF 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 30% as needed

EXAMPLES OF 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)

Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

SALARY RANGE FOR POSITION

The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA. The pay is only displayed for Irvine, CA is $200,000 - $260,000 base salary per year.

The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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 .