Device Research Manager

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Lead CdTe photovoltaic absorber research and development.
• Develop and deploy new manufacturable technologies and processes to improve solar cell performance and reliability.
• Lead technical team of engineers and technicians through stages of new technology development from basic feasibility and understanding through process development, definition, and implementation.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's in material science, physics, or similar technical discipline.
• Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience (3 years’ experience if Masters or 2 years’ experience if Ph.D.) in a Device Development, Process Integration, or Process Development.
• Semiconductor / Thin Film / Electronics Related Industry Experience.
• Experience with Thin Film Photovoltaics preferred.
• People and Project Management experience.
• Experience in Semiconductor Industry or PV Technology Industry in the following areas is strongly preferred: Thin Film Deposition Processes (vacuum deposition), Thermal Processes & Process Control, Device Integration and characterization, Material Characterization.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Proven history of innovation in developing new technologies and processes for high-performance solar cells.
• Ability to develop, plan and manage complex and multidisciplinary R&D projects, assess technological risk, scopes, and timelines.
• Experience in thin film metrology development, device characterization and test equipment development with sufficient understanding of optical, electrical, and opto-electronic properties of photovoltaic devices.
• Fundamental understanding of material and device characterization as well as failure analysis and root cause understanding.
• Experience in thin film deposition methods and processes.
• Advanced understanding of process equipment, engineering techniques and practices.
• Ability to handle complex data, summarize, and communicate results effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage engineers, set-up goals and objectives and motivate others to accomplish desired results.
• Ability to coordinate activities between various engineering and operations groups.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Proven competency in statistical process optimization and data analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE), Analysis of Variance and Process Control implementation and optimization.
• Experience using statistical software (JMP preferred).

Essential Responsibilities

• Direct or matrix manage a team of cross functional engineers.
• Define specific and quantifiable objectives for each individual team member as well as for the team.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective co-operation of interdepartmental teams.
• Responsible for effective communication between teams, foster team building, encourage creativity.
• Effectively interface with other functional areas in support of development activities.
• Ensure adherence to program goals and schedules.
• Prioritize experiments and activities.
• Integrate material and device characteristics and process data to determine the mechanisms and root causes of failures and resulting film and device properties.
• Ensure adherence to all safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Develop First Solar IP portfolio by documenting inventions and supporting First Solar IP personnel in writing intellectual property and patents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to Development Director. Will have direct reports.

Travel

0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range

$131,200- $187,000 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.
• 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).

Job description subject to change at any time.