Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

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

Basic Job Functions: 

Daily sustaining of product performance for key manufacturing metrics (Yield, Module Efficiency and Reliability) in timely fashion. Define problem statement and work cross-functionally for characterization of process issue, short term containment and long term prevention solution. Transfer new technology from pilot line to satellite sites.

Education/Experience:

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

• 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, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.
• 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.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Background in Semiconductor or PV or electronic process technology or Material Science and device physics.
• Experience working with cross functional technical teams to solve problems and implement new processes and products.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Statistical Data Analysis and experience using statistical software (JMP and SAS preferred).
• Strong track record of effective problem-solving, and root-cause analysis.
• Understanding of manufacturing engineering systems (FMEA, SPC) and structured problem-solving methods (such as DMAIC).
• Prior experience with thin film deposition, thermal and wet processing preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Desired Skills:

• Understands and can apply DOE
• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Understands and can apply structured problem solving (such as DMAIC)
• Experience in high volume ramp and/or new tech transfer is desired
• Project management experience preferred
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ensure adherence to all safety/environmental procedures 
• Responsible for sustaining day-to-day production ensuring module efficiency, quality and reliability within defined SPC limits.
• Ability to lead discussion with cross-functional departments and satellite sites to ensure timely communication and effective problem solving
• Design statistical experiments and Analyze data using sound statistical methodology to drive improvements and recommendations to operations of process engineering.
• Understanding of and ability to interpret the results from material, physical and electrical failure analytical techniques and various compositional analysis measurements
• Support technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities from development site to meet yield, reliability, cost, and device performance goals
• Provide engineering support for high volume manufacturing across multiple engineering departments in a global organization, working with international teams in cross functional environment 
• Will support vendor discussions as needed for improvement projects, and issue resolution
• Develop and maintain process control plans
• Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Manager, Manufacturing Engineering – Integration.
• This position could have direct reports.

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800-$98,050 annually. 

US Physical Requirements: 

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will