Raw Material Test Engineer (m/w/d)

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

Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world's largest solar modular producers. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products, Canadian Solar delivers uncompromising value to its customers across the globe.

Position Title: Raw Material Laboratory Engineer

Department: Quality Technical / Reliability Laboratory

Reports To: Quality Technical Manager

Description

The Raw Material Laboratory Engineer supports advanced material research, testing, and characterization activities focused on understanding raw material performance, degradation mechanisms, process sensitivity, and product reliability. This position applies engineering principles, Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and laboratory testing to evaluate materials and provide data-driven technical recommendations.

The Engineer works closely with Engineering, Quality, Process, Reliability, and Supplier Quality teams to support material selection, supplier qualification, product development, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Research & Experimental Design

• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate raw material performance, variability, aging behavior, and process sensitivity
• Define experimental factors, responses, controls, and acceptance criteria based on engineering objectives and material science principles
• Plan and execute structured laboratory studies to evaluate material performance and reliability
• Conduct root-cause investigations related to material performance deviations, defects, or failures
• Develop technical conclusions and recommendations based on experimental findings

Material Testing & Characterization

• Perform laboratory testing and characterization of raw materials, including polymers, sealants, metals, glass, coatings, and other manufacturing materials
• Evaluate material properties such as curing behavior, mechanical performance, thermal aging, durability, and environmental exposure effects
• Operate laboratory equipment and testing instrumentation in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements
• Develop and optimize testing approaches to improve accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency
• Evaluate material performance against applicable specifications, standards, and engineering requirements

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze experimental and laboratory data using statistical methods, DOE tools, and engineering principles
• Identify trends, correlations, variations, and potential failure mechanisms within material performance data
• Interpret results and translate findings into clear technical conclusions and actionable recommendations
• Prepare technical reports, data summaries, charts, and presentations for Engineering, Quality, and management reviews
• Maintain accurate and traceable records of laboratory testing, analysis, and technical findings

Method Development & Improvement

• Develop, validate, refine, and standardize laboratory test methods and experimental protocols
• Conduct correlation studies between laboratory results, production performance, and field data
• Identify opportunities to improve testing methodologies, laboratory processes, and material evaluation criteria
• Support standardization of testing and experimental approaches across materials, products, and suppliers
• Implement improvements that enhance laboratory capability, testing reliability, and data quality

Quality Systems & Documentation

• Conduct laboratory activities in accordance with applicable quality systems and standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 principles
• Ensure proper documentation, sample traceability, test record accuracy, and data integrity
• Maintain compliance with established laboratory procedures, specifications, and testing requirements
• Support laboratory audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities as required
• Follow all laboratory safety, risk assessment, PPE, and equipment usage requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Raw Material Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Quality, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier Quality teams
• Provide technical support for material-related investigations and manufacturing concerns
• Participate in technical discussions with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and other external partners as needed
• Support supplier qualification and material change evaluations through laboratory testing and technical analysis
• Communicate laboratory findings and engineering recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related engineering or technical field
• Knowledge of material characterization, experimental methods, laboratory testing, or material performance evaluation
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis concepts
• Ability to analyze technical data, identify trends, and develop engineering conclusions and recommendations
• Ability to independently manage laboratory testing and engineering assignments while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Preferred

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field
• Hands-on laboratory or industrial material testing experience
• Experience with statistical or DOE software such as Minitab, JMP, Python, or MATLAB
• Familiarity with material testing standards, including ASTM, ISO, and IEC
• Experience with polymers, sealants, coatings, glass, metals, or other raw materials used in manufacturing
• Experience supporting material qualification, supplier evaluation, reliability testing, or root-cause investigations
• Experience working within an ISO-controlled laboratory or manufacturing environment

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data integrity, and technical analysis
• Ability to independently organize and execute laboratory testing activities
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and presentation skills
• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, repeatable testing
• Ability to translate laboratory findings into practical engineering recommendations

Work Environment

• Laboratory and manufacturing environment with controlled testing conditions
• Requires handling of material samples, laboratory equipment, and testing instrumentation
• Requires compliance with established laboratory safety, quality, and PPE requirements
• Works closely with Engineering, Quality, Process, Manufacturing, Reliability, and other cross-functional teams
• May require periodic interaction with production areas, suppliers, or other technical teams

Engineering Responsibilities & Impact

• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) and engineering methodologies to real-world material engineering challenges
• Perform material characterization, testing, statistical analysis, and technical interpretation
• Apply engineering findings to support material selection, supplier qualification, manufacturing performance, and product reliability
• Develop and implement test methods to evaluate material performance, durability, and reliability
• Provide technical recommendations based on laboratory data and engineering analysis
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to raw material performance
• Contribute to laboratory quality systems, testing procedures, engineering standards, and continuous improvement initiatives

Note: The company reserves the right to change the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time as its own discretion.

Canadian Solar Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers to promote the rights of all persons and to create an inclusive and accessible working environment.

Upon individual request, Canadian Solar will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those candidates with disabilities.