Leads development efforts to improve cell efficiency by enabling new/modified/improved processes and new/modified/improved functional materials. Works on continuous improvement of thin film deposition processes in a high-volume manufacturing. Establishes laboratory processes and refines processes to demonstrate improved characteristics on a statistical basis. Develops new metrologies to characterize thin film and glass properties.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
10+ years of hands-on experience in material innovation and integration.
Experience with PV device synthesis and physics, especially CdTe PV devices, and track record of device efficiency improvement.
Experience with III-V or II-VI materials, and device analysis is a plus.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Deep understanding of material science of compound semiconductors and processes used for thin-films, including chemical and physical vapor deposition methods
Broad knowledge of methods and demonstrated ability to leverage a broad range of material characterization results.
The ability to interface with, work with, manage and drive cross-disciplinary teams with diverse technical backgrounds to a common goal.
Extensive experience in structured problem solving, including data driven (empirical) and model based (first principles / scientific) approaches.
Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate up, down and across organizations and organizational boundaries.

Essential Responsibilities:

Lead efforts to improve cell efficiency by identifying areas of potential improvement. Explores new methods and new materials to serve as alternatives in thin-film devices.
Design, execute, and analyze engineering tests. Perform data analysis and coordinate all necessary analytical follow-up and interpretation of results.
Realizes tool capabilities by implementing changes and/or working with tool owners to coordinate tool changes. Identifies key process characteristics based on understanding of the material science and process technology.
Communicate results of engineering tests in a clear and concise manner. Ability to communicate with upper management, development / manufacturing engineers, and production personnel.
Successfully interact with other development, manufacturing, and production personnel to carryout engineering tests on the production line.
Ensure adherence to all safety and environmental procedures as well as housekeeping standards.
Other duties as assigned.
Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to Development Manager.
May have direct reports.

Travel:

No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

$94,700 - $145,000 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 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 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.

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