Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling Principal USA

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

Basic Job Functions: 

• Lead scale-up and qualification of new processes and equipment from R&D to Pilot and 24x7 High-Volume Manufacturing working cross-functionally with Development Engineering, Integrated Supply-Chain, Environmental-Health-Safety and Quality & Reliability.
• Initiate and lead complex equipment or process changes following CMS stage-gate process and work with Global Alignment Team counterparts to successfully replicate the changes.
• Equipment and Process troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
• Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
• Leverage tools like SQL, Python, JMP, Power-BI to define, develop and set-up visualization and systems for process control and excursion prevention.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.
• >8 years process engineering and/or R&D experience in a manufacturing environment; Experience should be in the broad field of  Semiconductor or PV or Battery Manufacturing or Technology Development in areas of Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, ALD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing (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 required.
• Fluent with statistical analysis methods and tools and structured problem solving; Adept at analyzing big data-sets using tools like JMP, SAS or Minitab and Analytical AI solutions for manufacturing problems.
• Experience in Photovoltaics Manufacturing Flow or Technology Development experience in the broad fields of Thin Film Vacuum Deposition, Glass Thermo-Mechanical Processing, Module Packaging and Structural Development, Semiconductor Processes, Electrical Device Integration.
• Good familiarity with Materials Analysis methods like optical and x-ray spectroscopy, microscopy and electrical characterization to be able to leverage the same in troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams including goal-setting and performance management.
• Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Lead teams through technical problem solving or project planning towards program milestone deliverables. Ability to influence cross-functionally for making decisions.
• Experience in large area vacuum thin film deposition with desired experience related to ALD, precursor chemistries, precursor handling and abatement or other vacuum deposition techniques, including  Sputtering, evaporation, CVD.
• Proficient with demonstrable experience in Process Maps, Process Documentation including Control Plans, Statistical Process Controls, FMEAs; Use these systems to author technical white papers, define test priorities for risk reduction and present in stage-gate reviews.
• Specifying New Equipment for Manufacturing, and Vendor engagement through Design, Build and Qualification.
• Experienced in technology development concepts like Robust Engineering, Design of Experiments and Design for Manufacturability.
• Demonstrated Hands-On experience in Equipment and Process troubleshooting; excellent in structured methods for problem solving in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to develop and deliver technical training and documentation.
• Prior experience in Manufacturing or Technology development teams within Semiconductor, Photovoltaic, Flat-Panel Display, Architectural Glass Coating, Battery or Chemical Processing Industries.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
• Perform in-depth investigations into process issues.
• Evaluate new proposed equipment according to process standards.
• Reviews process experiment proposals and subsequent results.
• Defines and implements corrective/preventive actions and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Lead task forces and project teams.
• Able to influence up to director level globally.
• Directly and indirectly manage a t