Description
PROCESS TEAM LEADER
Reports to: COO
Location: Dalton, GA
Classification: Salary (Exempt)
Grade: G4
SUMMARY
The Process Team Leader is responsible for leading, directing, and empowering the Process Engineering and Technician teams to achieve manufacturing line optimization, high-yield quality excellence, and operational target goals. This role requires strategic leadership, deep technical expertise in solar module manufacturing (Cell-to-Module optimization, Lamination, Tabber/Stringer, EL inspection), and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean) to drive process stability, defect/cell loss reduction, cross-functional collaboration, and team member development in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead, manage, and motivate the Process Engineering team and Process Technicians across all shifts.
- Establish shift handover protocols and manage line engineering coverage for continuous 24/7 operations.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, set clear KPIs, and manage individual development plans for team members.
- Plan and execute overall team tasks, resource allocation, and shift/day operational priorities.
- Mentor engineers and technicians to advance technical skill sets, problem-solving capabilities, and career progression.
2. Process & Quality Assurance Management
- Establish, monitor, and maintain quality assurance standards, process recipes, and inspection/testing protocols to meet or exceed plant yield and CTM (Cell-to-Module) target goals.
- Oversee immediate root-cause analysis (RCA) and emergency countermeasure implementation for critical line issues, cell breakage, and defect spikes (e.g., micro-cracks, lamination bubbles).
- Ensure strict adherence to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards across all manufacturing processes.
3. Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction
- Initiate, manage, and drive plant-wide process improvement projects focused on enhancing operational effectiveness (OE), job effectiveness (JE), minimizing cell loss/scrap, and lowering operational costs.
- Act as a key change agent to systematically implement process changes, recipe tuning, and flexible automation through cross-functional collaboration with Production, Equipment, Quality, and EHS teams.
- Develop, standardize, and maintain engineering documentation: PFMEAs, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
4. Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
- Utilize data-driven decision-making tools (e.g., Six Sigma, Power BI, MES/SAP/EMI data) to track line stability, CTM gains, yield trends, and loss pareto analyses.
- Establish regular departmental reporting metrics to keep executive management informed on plant improvement progress and strategic initiatives.
5. Safety & Environment
- Partner closely with the EHS team to enforce workplace safety regulations, lead safety improvement projects, and minimize incident risks across all lines.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Materials, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field).
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing industry experience, with a strong focus on solar module, semiconductor, or display manufacturing processes.
- Minimum 2~3 years of experience in a Team Leader, Manager, or Lead Engineer role.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of solar module manufacturing processes (Tabber/Stringer, Laminator, J-Box, EL/Flash Testing), equipment capabilities, and defect mechanisms.
- Bilingual in Korean and English
- Leadership & Soft Skills:
- Proven leadership and people management capabilities with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Ability to articulate complex technical issues clearly to both executive management and shop-floor technicians.
- Strong analytical problem-solving mindset and data-driven decision-making approach.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional certifications in Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or Power BI/Data Analytics tools.
- Strong experience with quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
- Cross-functional work experience across Quality, Equipment/Maintenance, or R&D departments.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Able to stand and walk through the production area throughout the workday
- Able to lift to 50 pounds without restriction
- Reaching, pushing, pulling, or lifting as required within limits set by Q Cells
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Hanwha Q CELLS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.