Device Research Manager

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

Basic Job Functions:

• 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:

• Bachelors 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.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

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. 

• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.

• 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.

• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.