Associate Development Engineer- Laser and Equipment USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes – be extremely hands-on.
  Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution.
• Attention to detail and summarize experimental data, monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions expected.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment, within strict deadlines, while handling multiple tasks.
• During equipment install, which lasts for a week or 2 (per install), flexibility in schedule may be needed.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) without prior technical work experience.
• Experience with 2D and 3D modeling software's (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent) required.
• Experience with optical setups, solid-state lasers and familiarity with laser material interactions required.
• Experience with Python or C++ or LabVIEW, preferred.
• Experience with basic circuit design and components (resistors, inductors, diodes, capacitors Arduino, Raspberry Pi DYI project experience could be helpful in this role).

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to take ownership of a problem and own the resolution.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Continuous improvement/learning.
• Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with a strong sense of ownership.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance work instructions, equipment specifications, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Responsible for interfacing with other cross-functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create, and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Will coordinate installation of new equipment into a development line.
• Work with the facility team to prepare electrical, mechanical, and data drops for new equipment.
• Effective team member that can support cross functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Works under minimal supervision.  May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training lower-level employees.
• Complies 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.
• May have direct reports.

Travel:

•  Ability to travel to vendor site during equipment procurement (5 – 10% travel).

Estimated Salary Range:

• $62,500 - $89,000 Annually

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 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 w