Leads efforts to improve solar module performance by developing and implementing new thin film processes into a high-volume manufacturing environment. Uses statistical and engineering techniques to drive improvements to solar module performance, stability, and reliability, and reduce cost per watt of First Solar’s product.

Education/Experience:

Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics), without prior technical work experience.
Hands-on experience in PVD/CVD processes and thin film devices.
Experience in engineering with exposure to high-volume manufacturing.
Experience in interfacing with equipment and parts suppliers preferred.
Experience with Semiconductor/PV and understanding of PV device is a plus.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Expertise in thin films deposition (PVD, CVD, plating) processes with a strong fundamental understanding and appreciation of process / equipment interactions.
The ability to interface with, work with, manage and drive cross-disciplinary teams with diverse technical backgrounds to a common goal.
Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate up, down and across organizations and organizational boundaries.
Experience in structured problem solving, including data driven (empirical) and model based (theoretical) approaches with a high degree of comfort switching between the two.
Proven track record in pushing beyond the state-of-the-art in a given area to deliver and implement innovative solutions to challenging technical problems.
Demonstrated ability to transition a R&D process into manufacturing.

Essential Responsibilities:

Lead efforts to improve module performance by developing new thin film processes and new deposition tools. Design, execute and analyze engineering tests. Perform data analysis to identify factors influencing performance.
Identify opportunities for improvement and survey risks in process equipment design. Successfully interact with manufacturing and design engineers / maintenance technicians to implement equipment modifications.
Recognize equipment and process gaps and work across various parts of the organization to develop and implement it in production.
Organize and lead cross functional engineering reviews. Coordinate actions of development, manufacturing and production personnel in carrying out engineering tests.
Provide direction to / mentor development engineers and technicians on process testing, data analysis and statistical methods.
Ensure processes are documented, develop process control plans, FMEA’s and process maps.
Participate in technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities from development site to meet yield, reliability, cost, and device performance goals.
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 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 Engineer or Development Manager.
May have direct reports.

Travel:

5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

$75,100 - $120,000 Annually

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 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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