Basic Job Functions:
First Solar is seeking a highly motivated technical leader to manage a multidisciplinary team responsible for perovskite pilot line performance, metrology development, and manufacturing readiness. This position will drive performance improvement, root cause analysis, process and device characterization, development and deployment of advanced inline and at-line metrology solutions that enable commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.
Education/Experience:
- BS, majoring in engineering, physics, or similar technical discipline.
- Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.
- 5 to 10 years working in a technical field with previous management experience in a production or pilot environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in process characterization, optimization, and statistical data analysis.
- Experience implementing process monitoring and metrology systems in development or manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of inline and at-line metrology systems and process control methodologies.
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to solve complex technical and manufacturing challenges.
- Preferred:
- Experience with perovskite photovoltaics or thin-film technologies.
- Experience deploying metrology solutions into manufacturing environments.
- Experience scaling new technology from R&D to manufacturing.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Process, device, and line performance characterization.
- Inline and at-line metrology.
- Root cause analysis and statistical process control.
- Advanced data analysis and statistical methods.
- Process control and optimization, design of experiments.
- Technology scaleup and transfer.
- Excellent understanding of engineering techniques and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate others to accomplish objectives.
- Cross-functional leadership.
- Excellent communication.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Own execution for perovskite process characterization and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective action implementation for perovskite line underperformance. Utilize advanced characterization, statistical analysis, DOE, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Develop, validate, and implement new critical process monitoring strategies and Key Process Output metrics.
- Drive deployment of inline and at-line metrology solutions to improve process control and yield.
- Partner with appropriate First Solar parties to deliver line control solutions.
- Support technology transfer from development pilot to manufacturing operations.
- Provide clear technical recommendations and project updates to senior leadership.
- Assist in the development of the department and project budgets and ensure adherence to the same.
- Maintain effective communication and foster team building.
- Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
- Measure staff performance and make compensation recommendations or address performance issues as necessary.
- Ensure adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to Development Director or Development Head.
- This position will have direct reports.
Travel:
Estimated Salary Range:
- $131,200- $187,000 Annually
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 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.
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 and 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.