First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of 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. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Basic Job Functions:
Lead efforts to improve solar module performance by optimizing production processes using statistical and engineering techniques.
Develop new processes to drive improvements to solar module performance.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 10 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.
Master Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 8 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.
PhD in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.
Laser and optics experience highly desired.
Experience with scaling process from lab to manufacturing, desired. As such, some experience working in a manufacturing setting preferred.
Required Skills:
Knowledge of Engineering Techniques and Practices, focused around manufacturing processes
Expected to design, execute and analyze engineering tests and solutions tackling non-standard problems..
Proven Organizational and Managerial Skills and must have managed teams of at least 4 individual contributors (definition of goals, monitoring group progress and being hands on, as needed, is desired).
Robust Engineering/Design of Experiments experience.
Process knowledge and experience in Fabrication of PV related devices and operation.
Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
Knowledge of ISO 9000 standards and SPC tools.
Excellent communications skills.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Improve module performance by identifying areas of potential improvement in the production process. Design, execute and analyze screening and optimization tests. Perform data analysis on production data to identify factors influencing performance.
Improve process capability and reduce variation by identifying significant process / product parameters and determine methods for process control or develop robust processes.
Identifying opportunities for improvement in process equipment design. Successfully interact with manufacturing and development engineers / technicians to implement equipment modifications.
Organize and lead cross functional engineering reviews. Coordinate actions of development, manufacturing and production personnel in carrying out engineering tests.
Ensure processes are documented, maintaining process control plans, FMEA’s and process maps.
Successfully interact with other development, manufacturing and production personnel to carryout engineering tests on the production line.
Communicate results of engineering tests in a clear and concise manner. Be able to communicate with upper management, development / manufacturing engineers, and production personnel.
Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.
Candidate must be willing to travel up to 15% of the time to various vendor locations, on short notice.
Physical Requirements:
This is not a desk job and hence will require ability to 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.
