Toledo Region Jobs

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Support advanced materials analysis in a materials science laboratory by operating analytical instrumentation, managing instrument queues, and performing routine and semi‑routine data processing in support of Development Engineering.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.

• Associate’s degree in a science discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related STEM field, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Hands‑on laboratory experience.

• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation.

• Ability to work largely independently with minimal supervision.

• Manual dexterity to handle and manipulate small samples (e.g., 5 × 5 mm).

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), preferred.

• Strong communication skills; ability to interact with all levels of associates.

• Ability to learn and operate advanced analytical instruments after training.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Operate and support one or more advanced analytical instruments (instrument assignments subject to change).
• Execute instrument queue work and manage competing sample priorities.
• Perform routine sample loading and sample preparation.
• Run standard analyses and perform data processing.
• Support urgent and high‑priority sample requests as needed.
• Troubleshoot routine instrument issues in collaboration with engineering staff.
• Maintain accurate records, queue status, and data documentation.
• Perform non‑routine tasks and resolve many technical questions independently.
• Adapt procedures, processes, and tools to meet evolving laboratory needs.
• Maintain ownership of specific processes or equipment, including routine maintenance and training of others.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.37-$32.69 Hourly

Work Schedule:

• M-F between 8am-4:30pm

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 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.