Engineer- Associate Development USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Will develop test plans and conduct outdoor field testing, module installation, test site calibration and troubleshooting. Responsible for analyzing field data from the test site and reviewing the results with the Field Analytics team.

• Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within the group.

• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.

• Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness.

• May develop new test equipment and test structures and write computer software for data analysis and/or data acquisition systems.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Associate degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven experience in test development, field work and troubleshooting. 

• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access).

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of JMP and SQL desired.

• Knowledge and experience working with AC & DC voltage.

• Experience with installation, calibration and troubleshooting of electrical PV and Data Acquisition equipment. 

• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.

• Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze the desired data.

• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.

• Excellent problem-solving ability.

• Ability to work independently with less supervision.   

• Excellent communication and project management skills.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ability to quickly learn the test site operations, calibration of equipment, networking and preventative maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.

• Responsible for supporting Reliability & Development Engineering on project requests and/or test equipment needs.       

• Responsible for solving day-to-day equipment issues.                                                                 

• Ability to prepare and update intermediate summary reports for reliability investigations and reliability test metrics.     

• Responsible for the development and updating of internal documentation including drawings, work instructions, equipment tag out lock out and equipment specs.                                                                                   

• Responsible for ensuring that all the reliability tests are complete as per the schedule including acquiring samples, testing, & data entry. 

• Ability to perform intermediate data analysis using JMP and SQL applications.     

• Responsible for quick communication of any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipment. 

• Willing to work longer hours and weekends, if necessary.

• Responsible for training new technicians in module testing, equipment operation, handling and troubleshooting and repair techniques.

• Able to participate in Durability & Stability meetings and presentation of data may be required (as and when needed).

• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

• Consistently demonstrates efficient and effective methods to deliver quality test results.

• Perform calibration and maintain metrology records. 

• Able to identify trends in data due to stability of product or equipment defects; and complete failure analyses with minimal guidance (Level 3 failure analysis and troubleshooting).

• Other duties as assigned.

• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to Manager – Test Site Operations.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $62,500.00 - $89,000.00 annually

US 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.

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.