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:
Work with Development Engineering to develop robust, manufacturable processes. Implement new processes to meet schedule, leading troubleshooting efforts as needed to meet project requirements. New process equipment and material handling machine development, define requirements, write specifications, provide key inputs to Mechanical system design, evaluate equipment solution proposals, test and develop new equipment, install and qualify new process equipment. Develop new equipment to meet specification and manufacturing goals. Project Mangage and oversee the process of equipment fabrication, installation, start-up and transition into high volume production. Identify and implement continuous improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals. Ability to project manage along with a good working knowledge of mechanical, electrical and control systems for highly automated production equipment. Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.
Education and Experience:
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 degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 years Engineering Experience in a manufacturing setting
Keen Electro/Mechanical aptitude, Understanding of Mechanical Drawings and Electrical Schematics
Experience working with complex capital equipment - project management, Installations, and Equipment engineering design and development.
Experience with capital equipment projects for both new plant and existing plants.
Understanding of fully automated production equipment, to include material handling - Servo motor controls, robotics/handling equipment, PLC's and precision alignment equipment is a plus.
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
AutoCad and Inventor basic Skillset required
High Mechanical Aptitude, Automation Application knowledge
Ability to read Engineering drawings Electrical and Mechanical
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.
Ability to analyze Mechanical drawings, and systems to identify capabilities and limitations
Desire to develop engineering and project leadership skills
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 up to 35%, up to 8weeks at a time
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
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.
Equipment Development, apply use of proven and creative solutions to develop custom process equipment.
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.
