Development Engineer II

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. 

Basic Job Functions: 

This is an opportunity for a self-motivated and technical leader to work in a fast-paced environment and develop emerging technologies on photovoltaics.  This position will be an integral part of demonstrating feasibilities and advancing towards commercialization of perovskite technology. The successful candidate will actively participate in hands-on activities that include technology exploration, device engineering, scale up, PV module integration and performance tests. 

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Experience with photovoltaics especially perovskites, is a significant advantage.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Comprehensive understanding and hands on experience of thin film deposition and characterization techniques. 
• Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to integrate several process development activities in parallel with deep understanding of process interaction.
• Deep understanding of process/equipment/materials interactions with the ability to develop new solutions.
• Fundamental understanding of material characterization, failure analysis and device physics. 
• Ability to make an execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
• Good communication skills across organizations.
• Ability to handle complex data, summarize and communicate results effectively
• Experience using statistical software (JMP preferred)

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for improvement in thin film deposition process, solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Apply state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths.
• May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate metrology specifications.
• Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths
• Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Director or Development Manager. 

Travel:

• 10% - 20% 

Estimated Salary Range:

• $80,700-$115,000 Annually. 

US Physical Requirements: 

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis. 
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.