Our high growth and leadership position in the renewable energy business offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants, as well as a provider of complete solar generation solutions for U.S. utilities. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates who are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost-effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.

Primary Job Functions:

We’re changing the world. Let us start with yours.

First Solar’s manufacturing operations seeks candidates who believe in our mission of providing cost-advantaged solar technology through innovation, customer engagement, industry leadership and operational excellence. First Solar’s manufacturing engineering team works together to continuously improve product performance and yield, equipment performance and cost reduction in the manufacturing plants. They are responsible for installing and qualifying equipment and processes for plant expansions and implementing new technology across our global manufacturing plants.

The manufacturing engineering team looks for individuals who enjoy contributing to an innovative, forward-thinking team, are effective problem solvers, data and results driven and continuously look for ways to improve processes to help us lead the world’s sustainable energy future.

Basic Job Functions:

Provide technical leadership within team. Work with Development Engineering to develop robust, manufacturable processes.  Implement new processes to meet schedule, leading troubleshooting efforts as needed to meet project requirements.  Equipment Design, define requirements, write specifications, provide input to Mechanical system design, evaluate equipment solution proposals, test and develop equipment, install and qualify new process equipment. Develop new Process Equipment to meet Specification goals. Oversee the process of equipment fabrication, installation, start-up and transition into production. Identify and implement continuous improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals. Specific knowledge required in project management principles and practice along with a working knowledge of mechanical, electrical and control systems for highly automated production equipment.

Experience:              

• Associates Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II, or 5 Years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or 4 years Engineering and 6 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting or


• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II, or 5 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 4 years Engineering and 3 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or


• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II  or 4 years engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or


• PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II  or 3 years experience in a manufacturing setting

Required/Preferred Skills:

• 3 or more years of experience working with capital equipment - project management, Installations, and Equipment engineering design and development.


• 3 or more years of experience with equipment procurement through installation and production and/or equipment vendor experience from receipt of order through build, site install and production ramp.


• Proven experience leading capital equipment projects for both new plant and existing plants.


• Experience with fully automated production equipment, to include material handling - Servo motor controls, robotics/handling equipment, PLC's and precision alignment equipment is a plus.


• Provide technical leadership


• Work with Equipment Suppliers to Develop process equipment and tooling


• Demonstrated proficiency with applying Robust Engineering


• Excellent Structured Problem Solving Method (such as DMAIC)


• Outstanding knowledge of manufacturing processes


• Outstanding skill in generating and maintaining FMEAs


• Demonstrated proficiency in applying DOE


• Outstanding skill in applying SPC to control and improve processes


• Outstanding skill with Statistical Data Analysis


• Outstanding skill in Metrology and measurement best practices


• Develop and provide technical training


• Ability to work with minimal supervision


• Excellent oral and written communications skills


• Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting General Electronics


• Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting General Mechanical Systems


• Proven experience with fully automated  production equipment, to include material handling - Servo motor controls, robotics/handling equipment, PLC's and precision alignment equipment


• AutoCad and Inventor basic Skillset required


• High Mechanical Aptitude, Automation Application knowledge


• Ability to read Engineering drawings Electrical and Mechanical

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost efficient manner


• Lead Teams through Continuous Improvement Activities and structured problem solving


• Capable of sustaining entire process area


• Inject manufacturing requirements to new process development by working with development team


• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results


• Leads task forces and communicates status updates to stakeholders


• Equipment Design, apply use of proven and creative solutions to develop custom process equipment.


• Lead Design and Development, Evaluate, Install and Qualify new equipment


• Champion continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods


• Provide mentorship and project oversight to assist in the development of junior engineers


• Identify training needs and Develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates


• Develop Process Control Plans and Preventive Maintenance Plans


• Responsible to interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects


• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers

• Works with minimal supervision


• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards


• Domestic and International travel as required up to 35%, up to 8weeks


• Manage critical timelines and schedules while constantly working to improve lead times


• Forecast, manage and execute capital equipment budgets.


• Manage equipment configuration, Copy Smart and Equipment regulatory compliance.


• Manage critical timelines and resource schedules


• Manage capital equipment budgets


• Responsible for the organization and execution of local equipment retrofits, working with manufacturing engineering, facility engineering, and operations management teams


• Manage equipment configuration, keep detailed records of current equipment configuration.


• Responsible for managing the interface with equipment suppliers and improving supplier effectiveness.


• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters Team Building.

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 27 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 each eye, 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)


• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)

Please note: 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, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) 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.