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:

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.  Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician III, or at least 6 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting


• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years Engineering Experience in a manufacturing setting or 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting or


• Master’s or PhD degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 years Engineering Experience in a manufacturing setting

Required Skills:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis


• Good problem solving skills


• Understands metrology and measurement best practices


• Good oral and written communications skills.


• Ability to write manufacturing documentation


• Wet chemistry process experience required

Desired Skills

• Understands and can apply DOE


• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC)


• Understands and can apply structured problem solving (such as DMAIC)


• Ability to work with minimal supervision.


• General Electrical / Electronics


• General Mechanical

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems


• Install and Qualify new equipment


• Maintain 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.


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


• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers


• Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates

• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements


• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures


• Develop and maintain process control plans


• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards


• Domestic and International travel as required


• Previous heat treatment/thermal process experience

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.