Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Ownership of RDC floor and prioritizes resources to optimize safety, quality, and throughput.
• Manages scheduling of engineering tests and productivity of associates.
• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize system and process improvements and effectiveness.
• Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.

Education/Experience:

• Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor'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 I at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Past experience with data analysis and making data-driven decisions, using problem solving techniques to determine the root cause of a problem, managing production schedule-like activities, coordinating the maintenance of equipment, and coordinating the logistics of a production line or laboratory highly desired.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven ability to effectively manage engineering and technical associates.
• Proven ability to train, mentor and develop associates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage employee relations.
• Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
• Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Demonstrated record of quality, cycle time and cost improvements using TOC, lean manufacturing, and kaizen concepts.
• Knowledge of environmental, health, and safety requirements
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Leads the shift RDC Operations team.
• Daily line walks to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Monitor tool SPC charts to ensure all Research and Development Center (RDC) processes are healthy prior to the start of a test.
• Monitor key process outputs (KPOs) after each RDC process. Disposition tests as needed.
• Escalate out of spec KPOs to test and tool owners when appropriate.
• Adjust downstream schedules and resources as needed.
• Use RDC software to assign associates to the correct area based on ETA needs.
• Generate reports on operational efficiency and present to upper management.
• Assist technical group leads with troubleshooting tool issues.
• Optimizes RDC technician activities to achieve optimal safety, quality, and throughput.
• Analyzes and organizes material resources for maximum productivity and quality.
• Makes data-based recommendations for improvement and coordinates implementation.
• Directs the training and development of associates on new processes and procedures.
• Is responsible for effective communication and fosters team building.
• Optimizes ancillary support systems, such as WIP inventory control processes.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.
• Will have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $75,100 - $120,000 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 27 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 each eye, 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).
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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.