EQUIPMENT ENGINEER – 1ST SHIFT

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Senior Engineering Manager

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

Schedule: 1st Shift; additional hours may be required based on production and project needs

Jobsite: Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

POSITION SUMMARY

The Equipment Engineer is responsible for improving the reliability, performance, safety, and lifecycle management of Bila Solar’s automated manufacturing equipment. This position supports equipment troubleshooting, preventive and predictive maintenance strategy, equipment upgrades, commissioning, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement across the solar module production operation.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who can work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Process Engineering, Quality, vendors, and equipment manufacturers to reduce downtime, improve OEE, and develop scalable equipment standards as Bila Solar expands.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

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. Led by experienced industry veterans, Bila Solar produces high-performance solar modules, including a U.S.-made 550W dual-glass module and an innovative ultralight 520W module designed for commercial rooftops and low-load-bearing structures.

At Bila Solar, we do not simply make solar panels—we make an impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the safe, reliable operation of automated solar manufacturing equipment and production systems.

• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, robotics, sensor, vision, pneumatic, and motion-control issues.

• Analyze equipment downtime, chronic failures, and OEE losses and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Lead equipment-related root-cause analysis using structured problem-solving methods.

• Develop and improve preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance strategies.

• Partner with Maintenance Technicians to strengthen troubleshooting capability, technical standards, and knowledge transfer.

• Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, acceptance testing, and production ramp-up.

• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, integrators, and contractors to resolve technical issues and complete improvement projects.

• Develop and maintain equipment specifications, drawings, manuals, spare-parts recommendations, troubleshooting guides, and change documentation.

• Recommend and implement equipment upgrades, retrofits, error-proofing, guarding, and reliability improvements.

• Support PLC, HMI, servo, robotics, vision, and industrial-control diagnostics within company authorization and change-control requirements.

• Improve spare-parts strategy and identify critical components needed to reduce extended downtime.

• Partner with Process Engineering to improve equipment-process interaction, capability, cycle time, and repeatability.

• Partner with Production and Quality to address equipment-related defects, constraints, and operational risks.

• Ensure equipment changes comply with applicable safety requirements, machine guarding standards, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and document-control practices.

• Support capital-project planning, technical evaluations, vendor selection, schedules, budgets, and implementation activities.

• Prepare technical reports, downtime analyses, project updates, and equipment-performance recommendations.

• Perform other duties and technical projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required.

Experience

• Two or more years of equipment, controls, automation, manufacturing, or reliability engineering experience preferred.

• Experience in a highly automated, high-volume manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, servos, sensors, pneumatics, and industrial networks preferred.

• Experience in solar, electronics, automotive, battery, semiconductor, packaging, or other advanced manufacturing is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, pneumatic diagrams, equipment manuals, and technical specifications.

• Working knowledge of equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, OEE, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.

• Familiarity with PLC and HMI diagnostics; programming experience is preferred.

• Strong project-management, vendor-management, analytical, and documentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with technicians, operators, engineers, suppliers, and leaders.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and equipment reliability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly work in both office and manufacturing-floor environments.

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods while inspecting or supporting equipment.

• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and work in and around industrial machinery.

• Occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

• May work at heights, in confined equipment areas, or around energized systems when appropriately trained and authorized.

• May be exposed to noise, moving equipment, temperature variation, chemicals, and other industrial conditions.

• Must follow all PPE, machine-safety, electrical-safety, and Lockout/Tagout requirements.

SUCCESS MEASURES

• Improved equipment safety, reliability, availability, and OEE.

• Reduced unplanned downtime, repeat failures, and mean time to repair.

• Effective preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.

• Successful equipment commissioning, qualification, and production ramp-up.

• Timely completion of corrective actions and equipment-improvement projects.

• Accurate equipment documentation, spare-parts strategy, and technical standards.

• Strong partnership and knowledge transfer with Maintenance, Production, Process Engineering, Quality, and vendors.

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 Equipment Engineer – 1st Shift position, please submit your resume detailing your relevant equipment, automation, controls, reliability, and manufacturing experience. We look forward to learning how you can help Bila Solar advance American solar manufacturing.