Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling I USA

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

Basic Job Functions: 

• Install and qualify new 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. 
• Structured Problem solving for throughput, yield, equipment and process challenges; Plan and Execute engineering experiments in a pilot manufacturing environment.

Education/Experience:

• 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 in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as Associate Development Engineer or Shift Manufacturing Engineer at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as Associate Development Engineer or Shift Manufacturing Engineer at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline.
• 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.
• Prior experience in a Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting in one or more of the following areas Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing in semiconductor or glass industry (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is desirable.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis; understands and can execute SPC concepts.
• Structured problem solving (DMAIC, 8D, DOE).
• Understands metrology and measurement best practices.
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to write manufacturing documentation.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Install and Qualify new equipment; Maintain measurement systems and 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 cross functionally – Operations, EHS, Development, Controls.
• Develop and provide training for 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.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Manager or Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Technology Scaling.

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required. 
• 5% - 10% Between First Solar’s other sites or to equipment suppliers for meeting project objectives.

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 ob