Maintenance Manager - Solar Module Manufacturing

Job Overview

We are seeking a technically proficient and experienced Maintenance Manager to oversee the upkeep and operational efficiency of machinery in a solar module manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will manage preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance to ensure high machinery uptime, safety, and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance activities for all production equipment to maximize machine availability and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Conduct preventive, predictive, and breakdown maintenance on critical machines including Stringer, Laminator, Framing, Bussing, EL and IV Testers, Glass Loading & Layup Systems, Potting/Junction Box Machines, Conveyor, and Automation systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, servo, and PLC system issues.
• Coordinate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and vendors for servicing and annual maintenance contracts (AMC).
• Develop and maintain maintenance schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain spares inventory records.
• Monitor utility equipment such as compressors, chillers, vacuum pumps, and electrical panels.
• Lead and manage a team of maintenance technicians and engineers; allocate shifts and assign maintenance tasks efficiently.
• Coach the team on troubleshooting skills, preventive maintenance, discipline, and adherence to safety norms.
• Enforce safe maintenance practices aligned with Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) standards and support 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliant documentation for audits and safety regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering.
• 8 to 15 years’ industrial maintenance experience with minimum 5 years in solar module manufacturing.
• Hands-on expertise in maintenance of Stringer, Laminator, and Framing machines.
• Mandatory experience working with automated production lines.

Skills

• Proficiency in PLC troubleshooting, servo drives, automation systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical panel fault diagnosis.
• Strong root cause analysis and preventive maintenance planning skills.
• Skilled in spare parts inventory management and team leadership.
• Excellent communication and reporting capabilities.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in large-scale, high-capacity solar manufacturing plants.
• Knowledge of MES/SCADA systems.
• Ability to perform under pressure and resolve critical machine breakdowns swiftly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.

Performance Metrics

• Maximizing machine uptime percentage.
• Reducing breakdown response time.
• Ensuring compliance with preventive maintenance schedules.
• Optimizing spare parts cost.
• Minimizing repetitive breakdown occurrences.
• Enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).