{"id":930057,"url":"https://alion.io/job/first-solar-development-engineer-technician-iii","title":"Development Engineer Technician III","company":{"id":47033,"name":"First Solar","domain":"firstsolar.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/first-solar","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Oracle","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":84,"open_postings":100,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.84,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":4,"computed_at":"2026-10-21T05:46:15Z"}},"role":"Field & Service","role_family":"Field & Service","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Santa Clara, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":45000,"max_usd":80000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":4621},"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"ALD","optional":false},{"name":"Outlook","optional":false},{"name":"PVD","optional":false},{"name":"Windows","optional":false},{"name":"Statistical Process Control","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-14T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-14","last_verified_at":"2026-10-21T03:13:17Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":37,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":37},"description":"First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.\nBasic Job Functions:\nAssists in the installation and qualification of RnD equipment.\nTroubleshoots day-to-day RnD process and equipment issues. \nPerforms, as directed, all necessary maintenance and repair of the equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner. \nIdentifies and/or implements system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.\nLeads the training/upskilling of peer associates and technicians.\nEducation/Experience:\nHigh School Diploma or equivalent and 14 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.\nAssociate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.\nBachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar\nThe following strongly preferred: Extensive experience (>4 years) as a mechanical or electrical technician as a primary job function\nExtensive experience (>4 years) working on vacuum deposition tools (PVD, ALD), or (robotic based) automation system\nExperience supporting a high-uptime production line, including off-shift or shift-based coverage.\n\nRequired Skills/Competencies:\nSafety first mindset.\nExtensive verifiable electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.\nExtensive verifiable hands-on troubleshooting/repair skills.\nCompetency in maintaining and repairing one or more of the following process equipment toolsets strongly preferred: Vacuum Deposition, Wet Deposition/Etching/Cleaning, Thermal treatment, Robotic Based Automation Systems\nSelf-directed, able to work with minimal supervision.\nGood written and oral communications skills.\nAble to troubleshoot and solve equipment and process issues on RnD line.\nAble to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.\nWorking knowledge of common Windows computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).\nAble to identify recurring issues and develop/communicate improvement recommendations.\nWilling and able to work the assigned shift, including schedule adjustments based on business needs, and to participate in the equipment team's weekend on-call rotation for emergency tool support.\nThe following are considered a plus:Hands-on experience maintaining process or production equipment, including robotic handlers, conveyors, servo drives, sensors, and machine vision.\nAble to read and troubleshoot from electrical schematics, P&IDs, and pneumatic or vacuum diagrams; working familiarity with PLC and HMI diagnostics (for example Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Beckhoff).\nPrior qualification in Lockout/Tagout, electrical safety (NFPA 70E), and chemical handling.\n\nOther duties as assigned.\nJob description subject to change at any time.\nEssential Responsibilities:\nSolves day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.\nPerforms on-site service and repair of equipment.\nIdentifies and implements throughput, uptime, yield and product performance improvements.\nAccomplishes daily assignments as scheduled and as directed.\nDevelops methods to assign causes to yield excursions.\nSets up and maintains gauges, flow meters, auxiliary equipment such as gas purifiers, chillers and pumps\nEnsures all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.\nResponds to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.\nCollects data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.\nTransitions new equipment and processes through start-up, qualification, and implementation\nMay assist in orienting, mentoring, and training other employees.\nInterfaces with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.\nDevelops a complete understanding of processes, equipment, and support systems.\nMaintains effective communication with all team members\n\nAdheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.\n\nPerforms preventive and corrective maintenance on assigned toolsets, including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, and safety interlock systems.\nTroubleshoots equipment control faults using electrical schematics, ladder logic, and sequence-of-operation documentation to isolate root cause.\nMaintains preventive maintenance schedules, spare parts readiness, and equipment logbooks for assigned toolsets.\nProvides equipment coverage during assigned shift hours and weekend on-call, escalating to process and equipment engineering when required, and documents events for day-team follow-up.\nWorks the assigned shift, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time, at the California Technology Center (CTC) in Santa Clara, CA; shift hours are subject to change based on business needs.\nParticipates in the equipment team's weekend on-call rotation, providing tool support when emergencies arise.\nSupports overtime and additional coverage as required for tool installations, planned maintenance windows, and unplanned equipment downtime, and completes a written handoff to the incoming team at the end of each shift.\nReporting Relationships:\nThis position will not have direct reports.\nTravel:\nTravel for training and equipment start-up support at vendor or other corporate facilities may be required (up to 10% international and domestic)\n\nEstimated Salary Range:\n39.06 USD/hr.- 59.78 USD per hr.\nUS Physical Requirements:\nWill sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.\nWill climb stairs on a frequent basis.\nWill lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.\nWill lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.\nWill push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.\nWill push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.\nRequired to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.\n20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.\nMay reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.\nMay stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.\nMust be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.\nAbility to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).\nPotential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.\nEqual Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 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