Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling I USA

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

Basic Job Functions: 

• Install and qualify new process equipment.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner.  These include tool down issues, yield, quality issues and identify actions to prevent repeat issues.     
• Structured Problem solving for throughput, yield, equipment and process challenges; Plan and Execute engineering experiments in a pilot manufacturing environment.

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with
  • 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or
  • 6 or more years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as Associate Development Engineer or Shift Manufacturing Engineer at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as Associate Development Engineer or Shift Manufacturing Engineer at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline.
• The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements.  In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis.
  • 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III or
  • Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level or
  • 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline.  Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting in one or more of the following areas: Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, ALD, CVD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing in semiconductor or glass industry (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is desirable.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis; understands and can execute SPC concepts.
• Structured problem solving (DMAIC, 8D, DOE).
• Understands metrology and measurement best practices.
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to write manufacturing documentation.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Install and Qualify new equipment; Maintain measurement systems and gauges
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results.
• Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
• An active liaison between the development engineering group (Engineers, Managers and Directors) and production to ensure ETA runs are successful.
• Responsible for analyzing on-hand ETA inventory levels and resolving discrepancies through system troubleshooting.
• Develops new or improves existing manufacturing systems for sustainability for the manufacturing Coating, Sub-module, Finishing, and Boxing operations.
• Maintain effective communication cross functionally – Operations, EHS, Development, Controls
• Develop and provide training for technicians, and production associates
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Manager or Sr. Manager, Global Manufacturing Organization. 
• 5% - 10% of travel between First Solar’s other sites or to equipment suppliers for meeting project objectives. 

Travel:

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800-$98,000 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.