First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
Support the development, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes used in solar module production. Work closely with senior engineers, manufacturing, maintenance, and development teams to assist with equipment design, installation, testing, troubleshooting, and qualification activities. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, yield, and reliability while developing expertise in manufacturing automation and process equipment.
Education/Experience:
- Associate’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline combined with
- 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or
- 6 or more years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting.
- Bachelor’s Degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.
- The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements. In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis
- 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III or
- Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level or
- 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry-recognized certification is strongly preferred
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Basic knowledge of structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and automated production equipment
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Familiarity with engineering data analysis and statistical concepts
- Exposure to metrology, measurement best practices, and process control concepts preferred
- Exposure to FMEA, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, or Six Sigma concepts preferred
- Ability to support development of manufacturing documentation, procedures, specifications, and reports
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work successfully in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities with guidance from senior engineers
- Exposure to fully automated production equipment, material handling, servo motor controls, robotics, PLCs, precision alignment, or machine vision systems is a plus
- AutoCAD for plant layouts, SolidWorks or Inventor basic skills preferred
- High mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn automation, robotics, and vision system applications
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of applications
- Knowledge of statistical software for data analysis such as JMP preferred
- Strong desire to learn and develop multidisciplinary engineering skills
Essential Responsibilities:
- Support the design, development, fabrication, assembly, and qualification of manufacturing and metrology equipment
- Participate in equipment installation, startup, testing, and commissioning activities
- Assist in troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and process issues to improve performance and reliability
- Collect, analyze, and present engineering data to support project objectives and decision making
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, yield, reliability, and cost reduction
- Assist in developing and maintaining engineering documentation, procedures, specifications, and reports
- Participate in equipment design reviews and technical evaluations
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Development Engineering, and external suppliers on engineering projects
- Support project execution activities including action item tracking, schedule updates, implementation activities, and issue follow-up
- Learn and apply engineering tools such as FMEA, structured problem solving, statistical analysis, and process control methodologies
- Develop technical knowledge in automation, robotics, machine vision, controls, and manufacturing systems
- Domestic and international travel as required, based on project needs
- Other duties as assigned
- Job description subject to change at any time
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to the Head or Manager, Global Finishing Engineering
- No direct reports expected
Travel:
- Domestic and international travel as required up to 35% annually, based on project needs
Estimated Salary Range:
$68,800-$98,000
US Physical Requirements:
Hybrid 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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
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.