Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

Design, install, and qualify new automation/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.Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals.

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s degree in 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 is strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis
• Understands and can apply structured problem solving (fishbone, five why, DMAIC, SBAR)
• Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical / automation equipment troubleshooting.
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Ability to write manufacturing documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.

Preferred Skills

• Process simulation software experience.
• Understands and can apply DOE.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• General Electrical & PLC Controls knowledge
• Previous automated material handling and/or metrology equipment experience required.
• Project Lead / Project Manager disciplines preferred.
• Machine / Robotic Automation experience (AGVs, Pick & Place, Collaborative Robots)

• Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by (identifying and/or contributing to improvements in specific processes, systems, or workflows).
• Apply Kaizen principles by (participating in, leading, or supporting improvement initiatives, events, or problem-solving activities).
• Exhibits a learning mindset by (seeking opportunities to expand knowledge, develop skills, and stay current in relevant areas).
• Leverages technology, including AI and automation tools, too (enhance efficiency, decision-making, analysis, or operational outcomes as applicable to the role).
• Shows curiosity and adaptability by (responding to change, adopting new tools/processes, or supporting innovation initiatives).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage small to medium-sized capital equipment projects.
• Provide concept/layout/design details for automation & material handling processes.
• Process simulation modeling for existing & future production lines.
• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Maintain MH Metrology / Sensors / Cameras
• 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 with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and provide training for engineering 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.

• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards

• Other duties as assigned.

• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• Domestic and International travel as required.

• 30% - 40%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800-$98,000 Annually.

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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 objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
• Any position with an essential function of PIV operation requires 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees.

Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) Operation (i.e., Forklifts, Carts, or vehicles with a motor, etc.)

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodation that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential 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.

Equal 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. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.