Engineer- Manufacturing III USA

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

About the Role

Lead process or equipment improvement under the oversight of respective Area Manager or Sr. Managers to meet Manufacturing P90 metrics. Manage and lead a group of engineers and/or technicians either directly or through the course of a project/assignment. Work with stakeholders like Development Engineering, Global Supply Chain, or Quality & Reliability to resolve technical problems and develop robust manufacturing processes. Initiate and lead complex equipment or process changes following the CMS stage-gate process and collaborate with Global Alignment Team counterparts to successfully replicate changes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
• Perform in-depth investigations into process issues.
• Evaluate new proposed equipment according to process standards.
• Review process experiment proposals and subsequent results.
• Define and implement corrective/preventive actions and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Lead mainly local task forces and project teams.
• Able to influence up to director level globally and drive decisions mainly at the local level.
• Directly and indirectly manage a technical staff up to and including senior engineer level.
• Work cross-functionally to resolve technical challenges.

Requirements

• Over 8 years of process engineering and/or R&D experience in a manufacturing environment; broad engineering and technology background preferred.
• Fluent with statistical analysis methods and tools; adept at analyzing large datasets using tools like JMP or Minitab.
• Experience in Photovoltaics Manufacturing Flow or Technology Development in Thin Film Vacuum Deposition, Glass Thermo-Mechanical Processing, Module Packaging and Structural Development, Semiconductor Processes, or Electrical Device Integration.
• Familiarity with Materials Analysis methods such as optical and x-ray spectroscopy, microscopy, and electrical characterization for troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams, including goal-setting and performance management.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in an Engineering Discipline, Physical Science, or equivalent.

Skills

• Leadership skills in small teams, including direct supervision of engineers and technicians.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering techniques, and practices.
• Familiarity with ISO 9000 standards and SPC tools.
• Robust engineering and Six Sigma expertise.
• Ability to lead creation of and improvements to PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Proven technical problem-solving and quality skills.
• Excellent data analysis, collection, and interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and statistical software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to create presentations for executive and C-level staff.
• Expertise in driving projects through Change Management systems.
• Experience in engineering test/experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results.

Pay

Estimated salary range: $112,300 – $160,000 annually (US).

Schedule & Travel

• Travel: 0 – 10%. If hired during plant start-up, travel to other First Solar locations for training may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for 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 frequently.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
• Must 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 (PPE) is required, including steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, and arm guards. Respirator use may be required, which necessitates little or no facial hair.