Equipment Specialist

T1 Energy is bringing solar manufacturing back to the U.S. by building a domestic solar supply chain. Our mission is to invigorate America with scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy. Our fully operational 5GW solar module facility in Wilmer, Texas, can manufacture more than 20,000 modules every 24 hours. By the time you finish reading this paragraph, we will have produced two solar panels that will power American homes and fuel domestic AI. We're focused on building advanced American manufacturing and we're passionate about engineering a better future filled with abundant energy.

The Equipment Specialist is a senior-level technical role responsible for maximizing the efficiency, reliability, and technical health of advanced production equipment and automated systems within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Operating as a subject matter expert (SME), this individual focuses on complex troubleshooting, predictive maintenance design, and advanced automation engineering—specifically overseeing the plant’s Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) robotics fleet.
While this role does not have direct supervisory or shift-leading responsibilities, it requires a high level of independent problem-solving, technical mentorship of junior technicians, and heavy collaboration with engineering teams.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Advanced Equipment Diagnostics: Independently isolate, troubleshoot, and resolve highly complex, systemic electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic malfunctions on the manufacturing line with minimal supervision.

• AGV Robotics Fleet Ownership: Serve as the technical expert for factory Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Troubleshoot navigation systems, laser scanners, sensor arrays, fleet management software communications, and mechanical/electrical drive units.

• Training & Technical Mentorship: Lead the technical skill development of junior technicians and production operators; create training materials regarding equipment mechanics, robotics handling, and precision tool operation.

• Predictive Maintenance Engineering: Design, refine, and optimize predictive and preventative maintenance (PM) standards for production equipment, robotics, and integrated factory automation systems.

• Data Analytics & CMMS Tracking: Generate and analyze machine data using MS Excel and CMMS platforms to track equipment utilization, pinpoint recurring failure modes, and provide actionable reporting to engineering leadership.

• Equipment Improvements & Special Projects: Lead technical modifications, upgrades, and optimization projects for existing hardware; assist engineering during new line equipment installation and precision alignment using hoists, micrometers, and plumb bobs.

• Safety & Standards Compliance: Act as a technical safety champion, ensuring all specialized repairs, calibrations, and component fabrications strictly adhere to electrical codes, mechanical standards, and safety operation rules.

Technical & Systemic Responsibilities

• Controls & Automation Systems: Navigate and manipulate complex factory control systems and PLCs to clear faults, pull system data, track metrics, and identify hidden operational bottlenecks.

• Facilities Infrastructure Support: Support facility infrastructure systems (such as industrial air compressors, chillers, vacuum pumps, and HVAC) by utilizing specialized knowledge to assist in power recovery or emergency troubleshooting protocols.

• Precision Component Rebuilding: Diagnose complex AC/DC circuitry, safely replace intricate components, and perform precision manual rebuilds of vital mechanical assemblies.

• Routine Systems Testing: Conduct advanced, mandatory regulatory and preventative testing on critical hardware, including robotic drives, automated safety gates, and material transport mechanisms.

  
  Qualifications

  
  • Education: Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline (Machinery, Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation, or Engineering Technology) is required.
  • Experience: * Minimum of 4+ years of industrial maintenance experience in high-volume manufacturing (Photovoltaics/Solar or Semiconductor industries are highly preferred).
  Proven hands-on experience troubleshooting and maintaining AGVs or advanced robotics systems (fanuc, kuka, automated logistics carts, etc.).
  • Technical Skills:
  Exceptional, high-level troubleshooting skills across complex high/low voltage electrical systems ($>480\text{V}$), mechatronics, and advanced automation components.
  Strong working knowledge of pneumatic logic, hydraulics, and precision inspection/test equipment.
  Proficient in safe operation of articulating aerial lifts and handling precision bench tools.
  • Software & Communication:
  Solid proficiency in data tracking tools (MS Excel, Word) and advanced experience utilizing CMMS platforms to log and track parts/assets.
  Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills for drafting data-driven updates to site leadership and engineers.
  • Attributes: Dedicated, highly analytical, and able to work well under pressure to minimize manufacturing line downtime. Able to work independently and adapt to shift rotations as production needs shift.
  
  Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to perform repetitive movements (climbing ladders/stairways, reaching, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling parts) and remain physically active for the entirety of a 12-hour shift.

• Stationary Work: Frequently remains stationary up to 75% of the time depending on data analysis, system monitoring, or specialized software calibration.

• Lifting: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs based on the needs of the role, and occasionally assist with team lifts of heavy machinery or AGV components.

• Sensory: Frequent use of sight and hearing to detect equipment irregularities, analyze digital interfaces/testing equipment, and safely operate machinery around active AGV tracks.

• Communication: Constantly communicates and exchanges accurate technical information with coworkers, safety personnel, and automation engineers.

The T1 Way

We move fast, expect accountability, and treat people with respect.