Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

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

Basic Job Functions: 

• Design, install, and qualify new automation/process equipment. Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner.  These include tool down issues, yield, quality issues and identify actions to prevent repeat issues.  Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals. 

Education/Experience:

• Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
  • Associate’s Degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with
    • 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or
    • 6 or more 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.
  • The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements.  In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis. 
    • 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III, or
    • Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level, or
    • 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline.  Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Required Skills:
  • Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis.
  • Understands and can apply structured problem solving (fishbone, five why, DMAIC).
  • Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical / automation equipment troubleshooting.
  • Good oral and written communications skills.
  • Ability to write manufacturing documentation.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Process simulation software experience.
  • Understands and can apply DOE.
  • Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • General Electrical & PLC Controls knowledge.
  • Previous automated material handling and/or metrology equipment experience required.
  • Project Lead / Project Manager disciplines preferred.
  • Machine / Robotic Automation experience (AGVs, Pick & Place, Collaborative Robots).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage small to medium size capital equipment projects.
• Provide concept/layout/design details for automation & material handling processes.
• Process simulation modeling for existing & future production lines.
• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Maintain MH Metrology / Sensors / Cameras.
• 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 improvements.
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Develop and maintain process control plans.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Domestic and International travel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Manager- Manufacturing Engineering (Material Handling). 

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required. 

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800-$ 98,000 Annually. 

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.