Engineer- Manufacturing III USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

Lead tool selection, installation, qualification, and continuous improvement activities for PVD deposition processes including thermal evaporation and plasma-based deposition processes, under the oversight of respective Area Manager or Sr. Managers to meet targets.  Define equipment and process requirements, develop scorecards and screen vendor proposals, install and qualify new process equipment.  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.  Manage and lead a group of engineers and/or technicians either directly or through the course of a project/assignment.  Work on cross functional teams with stakeholders like Development Engineering, Global Supply Chain or Quality & Reliability to resolve technical problems, identify and mitigate manufacturing risks, and develop robust manufacturing processes.  Use Problem Solving tools to identify, test, evaluate, and implement continuous improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals. 

Education/Experience:

• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II or 4 years engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
• PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer II or 3 years of experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Prefer candidate with extensive experience with thermal evaporation of films (at low temperatures) as well as experience with design and operation of linear/ point source evaporators.  Candidate will usually have a broad engineering and technology background.
• Fluent with statistical analysis methods and tools and structured problem solving; Adept at analyzing big datasets using tools like JMP or Minitab.
• Experience in Photovoltaics Manufacturing Flow or Technology Development experience in the broad fields of Thin Film Vacuum Deposition, Glass Therm-Mechanical Processing, Module Packaging and Structural Development, Semiconductor Processes, Electrical Device Integration. 
• Familiarity with using CFD/FEM to model evaporators would be beneficial.
• 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.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Provide technical leadership.
• Demonstrated proficiency with applying Robust Engineering.
• Excellent Structured Problem-Solving Method (such as DMAIC).
• Outstanding knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Outstanding skill in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
• Demonstrated proficiency using DOE, applying SPC to control and improve processes, and outstanding skills with Statistical Data Analysis.
• Outstanding knowledge of DFSS principles.
• Outstanding skill in Metrology and measurement best practices.
• Must develop direct reports and provide technical training.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting General Electronics.
• Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting General Mechanical Systems.
• Preferred to have knowledge of deposition principles and vacuum fundamentals.
• Able to lead the creation of and improvements to PFMEA.
• Demonstrated expertise in driving projects through Change Management systems. 
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering test/experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop process KPI/KPO list and detailed tool specifications for evaporation and plasma-based deposition processes.
• Use scorecard approach to screen vendors for new prototypes, first and second of a kind high volume tools.
• Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Provide mentorship and project oversight to assist in the development of junior engineers.
• Resolve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Identify training needs and develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates.
• Develop Process C