Engineer- Manufacturing I

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

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

Manufacturing Engineer Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
• Install and qualify new equipment
• Maintain Gauges.
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results
• Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers
• Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvement
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, and develop and enforce standard operating procedures
• Develop and maintain process control plans
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Other duties as assigned
• Job description subject to change at any time

Basic Job Functions:

The Manufacturing Engineer will install and qualify new process equipment as well as troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner.  These include tool-down issues, yield, quality issues, and identifying actions to prevent repeat issues.  Identifying and/or implementing system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with either 3 years of First Solar technical experience, or at least 6 years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Manufacturing Engineer Required Skills:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Understands metrology and measurement best practices.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write manufacturing documentation.

Manufacturing Engineer Desired Skills:

• Understands and can apply DOE.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Understands and can apply structured problem-solving (such as DMAIC).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• General Electrical / Electronics.
• General Mechanical.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following process areas:  Vacuum Deposition/ Thermal/ Laser/ Wetline/ Automation/ Adhesive/ Welding/ Material Handling/ Robotics/ Vision Systems/ PLC Programming among others.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position could have direct reports

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required

Estimated Salary Range:

• Estimated Salary Range $63,000-$75,000

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 band 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.