What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Technician position at Canadian Solar Inc.?
At CS Power Systems, we're on a mission to transform lives by delivering clean, solar-powered electricity to millions worldwide—and we're just getting started. As a cutting-edge division of Canadian Solar, a global leader founded in 2001, we stand at the forefront of manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and advanced energy storage solutions. In this fast-growing, high-impact industry, our deep commitment to sustainability drives everything we do, creating innovative technologies that power a brighter, greener future.
Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem—including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar—we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems—where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution.
Job Description:
A Quality Technician ensures the quality and reliability of solar cells, raw materials, and components across specialized quality control (QC) areas. Reporting to the QC Supervisor or Quality Engineer, this role executes inspections, conducts tests, documents results, and supports issue resolution within a designated focus area (e.g., Incoming Quality Control, Outgoing Quality Control, Reliability Testing, Metrology, or In-Process Quality Control). Technicians adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), regulatory standards (e.g., ISO), and customer specifications to maintain consistent product quality.
Core Responsibilities:
Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem—including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar—we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems—where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution.
Job Description:
A Quality Technician ensures the quality and reliability of solar cells, raw materials, and components across specialized quality control (QC) areas. Reporting to the QC Supervisor or Quality Engineer, this role executes inspections, conducts tests, documents results, and supports issue resolution within a designated focus area (e.g., Incoming Quality Control, Outgoing Quality Control, Reliability Testing, Metrology, or In-Process Quality Control). Technicians adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), regulatory standards (e.g., ISO), and customer specifications to maintain consistent product quality.
Core Responsibilities:
- Adhere to SOPs, safety protocols, regulatory requirements (ISO 9001), and the company’s quality/environmental policies.
- Document test results, inspection data, and non-conformities accurately in quality management systems
- Report defects, discrepancies, or equipment issues to the QC Supervisor promptly.
- Maintain cleanliness and calibration of tools/equipment used in the assigned area.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (other department) to address quality concerns.
- Participate in training programs to stay updated on processes, standards, and new technologies.
- Perform other quality-related duties assigned by the Quality Manager and/or Supervisor to support organizational quality objectives.
- Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Technician
- Inspect incoming raw materials (e.g., silicon wafers, chemicals) to ensure they meet purchase orders and quality standards.
- Test materials (e.g., thickness, purity) using tools.
- Reject non-conforming materials and work with suppliers/procurement to resolve issues.
- Track records of incoming quality, including pass/fail rates and supplier performance.
- Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) Technician
- Perform final checks on finished product batches to confirm they meet customer and internal standards.
- Test sample cells (e.g., efficiency, EL/PL imaging) from each production lot.
- Verify product packaging, labels, and shipping documents.
- Approve/reject batches based on results; escalate problematic lots to the QC Supervisor.
- Create quality reports for customers or internal teams.
- Reliability Testing Technician
- Run tests on solar cells to check long-term performance and durability.
- Monitor test conditions, record data (e.g., efficiency loss), and document failures.
- Help analyze results to spot reliability trends or design flaws.
- Maintain test equipment (e.g., chambers) and ensure accurate environmental controls (temperature, humidity).
- Metrology Technician
- Calibrate and maintain precision tools (e.g., EL/PL imagers, IV curve tracers).
- Conduct routine checks to ensure equipment accuracy and compliance with ISO 17025.
- Troubleshoot malfunctions and coordinate repairs with maintenance or vendors.
- Document calibration records and train others on proper tool use.
- In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) Technician
- Monitor solar cell production at key stages.
- Conduct inline inspections using measuring instruments.
- Collect real-time process data and compare it to specifications.
- Alert production teams to deviations and help adjust processes to prevent defects.
- Track yield rates and identify defect trends at specific manufacturing step.
- Associate’s degree in Electrical Technology, Materials Science, or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum 3 years in quality control within manufacturing, with preference for solar cell fabrication, semiconductor, or renewable energy industries.
- Familiarity with the specific focus area (e.g., incoming inspections) is preferred.
- Quality management certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Technician) or specialized training (e.g., metrology, reliability testing) are a plus.
- Skilled with tools/equipment specific to the assigned area (e.g., imagers for OQC).
- Basic understanding of statistical process control (SPC) and quality metrics (e.g., CPK, yield).
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, spec sheets, and industry standards (ISO 9001).
- Proficient in office software (e.g., MS Excel for data analysis, Word for documentation).
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Effective verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate cross-functionally.
- Basic problem-solving abilities to identify defects or process deviations.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage priorities, and follow instructions.
- Primarily works in a manufacturing facility, including cleanrooms, labs or controlled-environment production areas.
- Potential exposure to low-level chemicals or equipment noise; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required.
- This role works 12-hour shifts, which may include day, evening, or night shifts, depending on production needs. Occasional overtime may be needed to support production deadlines, urgent quality issue resolution, audit preparations or urgent tasks.
- May involve standing for extended periods, moving between workstations, and lifting.