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:  

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of existing and innovative laser scribing technologies on small and module scale.


• Provide technology leadership to ensure on time and on target delivery of device performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost goals. 


• Lead all aspects of module testing operations on the plant floor; prioritizing resources to optimize safety, quality, and throughput.

Education and Experience:   

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Physical Science Disciplines or the equivalent. 


• Masters or Ph.D. is preferred.


• 4+ years of experience as a manager in a high-volume manufacturing environment.


• More than 8 years of experiences in technology development in photovoltaic, semiconductor, or related industries.


• Experience in continuous improvement of a technology product required.


• Experience with scale up of new technology product, desired.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven leadership and communication skills


• Proven experiment planning and prioritization skills


• Ability to assess experimental risk, scopes, and timelines and to plan accordingly.


• Deep understanding of solid-state device physics, thin-film polycrystalline experience.


• Fundamental understanding of material and device characterization.


• Advanced understanding of manufacturing equipment, engineering techniques and practices.


• Competency in statistical process optimization, data analysis


• Proven skills in problem solving and Root Cause Analysis.


• Solid understanding of processes control strategy development, implementation, and optimization.


• Ability to coordinate activities between various technology, engineering, and operations groups.


• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate others to accomplish objectives and gain desired results.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross-functional coordination required.


• Technical competency with proven ability to work with and advise engineers on technical matters.


• Proven ability to train and develop associates

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for the planning, organizing, leading and coordination of all continuous process improvement activities to meet product roadmap.


• Encourages process improvement using the proper format ensuring process and product safety, product quality, lowering costs while increasing throughput.


• Supervises and motivates a team of associates creating a culture of personal responsibility and continuous improvement.


• Interface with process engineering and equipment engineering as well as operations.


• Responsible for the development of the department budget and cost projects and monitors and adheres to the same.


• Ensure adherence to program goals and schedules.


• Integrate FA, material and device characteristics and process data to determine the mechanisms and root causes of failures and resulting film and device properties.


• Participate in cross functional team reviews.


• Interact with stakeholders to meet manufacturing, quality, and reliability requirements.


• Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.


• Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

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 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)

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 band 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.