First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
- Provide technical and professional leadership to the maintenance team and manage the engineering aspect of the maintenance process.
- Use SPC and other TPM (Total Preventive Maintenance) programs to drive improvements and rate the effectiveness of a repair.
- Maintain preventive maintenance (PM) records and other pertinent data that is deemed necessary to do a complete job.
- Publish information that has been reviewed, in a report format, on a routine basis.
- Work on cross functional teams to improve Throughput.
- Streamline and improve PMs to continuously improve the availability of equipment.
- Co-ordination and planning for PM activities for specific tools.
- Maintain the stock of relavent spare parts.
Education/Experience:
- Associates Degree in a technical discipline with
- 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, or
- 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years’ technical experience in a manufacturing setting, or
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with
- 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, or
- 2 years Engineering experience and 3 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting, or
- MS Degree in a technical discipline, with
- 2-4 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Prior Experience in Vacuum or Wet Coating equipment operations and maintenance.
- Strong analytical, communication and organizational skills.
- Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
- Knowledge of Engineering Principals and Practices.
- Knowledge of Manufacturing processes.
- Good knowledge of Problem Solving Tools such as 7 Steps and DMAIC (6Sigma).
- Excellent knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software
- Computer skills with CAD related experience a plus.
- Knowledge in ERP systems preferred.
- Experience with collecting and analyzing large volumes of data.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Arranges, participates and implements PM-Planning.
- Creates and updates equipment Preventive Maintenance Work Instructions, equipment specifications, equipment trouble shooting BKM and good manufacturing OPL.
- Provides training where applicable to Maintenance team.
- Monitors long term equipment down issues and assist or lead with resolution.
- Review data relating to daily tool performance and attend/present in factory performance meetings as needed. Responsible to proactively schedule needed repairs/rebuilds based on tool performance trending data.
- Maintain effective communication with production associates, manufacturing engineers, development engineers, and vendors as required. Interface directly with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
- Demonstrate a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency in training of production associates, maintenance, technicians, and new engineers on operations, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
- Routinely develops work instructions or procedures from best-known methods. Develop and update internal documentation including assembly drawings, standard operating procedures, and equipment specifications.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position reports to the Manager, Engineer.
- This position will not have direct reports.
Travel:
- Up to 10% global travel is expected.
Estimated Salary Range:
- $68,800-$98,000 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 lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
- Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
- Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
- Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
- Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
- 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
- May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
- May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
- Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Ability 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 or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require 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.
Skills Required
- Associates, Bachelor's, or MS degree in a technical discipline with required manufacturing/engineering experience per job criteria (varies by degree).
- Prior experience in vacuum or wet coating equipment operations and maintenance.
- Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software and maintaining PM records.
- Experience using SPC and TPM methodologies to drive equipment improvements and evaluate repairs.
- Knowledge of problem solving tools such as 7 Steps and DMAIC (Six Sigma).
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite programs.
- Knowledge of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and deposition process equipment.
- Experience collecting and analyzing large volumes of data and reviewing tool performance metrics.
- Demonstrated ability to create and update preventive maintenance work instructions, SOPs, and equipment specifications; training experience for technicians and production associates.
- CAD experience (computer skills with CAD related experience a plus).
- Knowledge of ERP systems.
First Solar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about First Solar and has not been reviewed or approved by First Solar.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is included as part of a comprehensive rewards package referenced across career materials and postings. Retirement benefits are positioned alongside core medical coverage and tuition assistance as standard offerings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted in recruiting and corporate materials, providing defined paid time away for new parents. The inclusion of paid parental leave strengthens the family support baseline for U.S. manufacturing roles.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual and attendance bonuses and overtime opportunities are featured at certain manufacturing sites. Predictable crew schedules with built-in overtime further reinforce earnings potential in those roles.
First Solar Insights
What We Do
First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change. Developed at R&D labs in California and Ohio, the company’s advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, providing a competitive, high-performance, lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV panels. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s approach to technology embodies sustainability and a responsibility towards people and the planet.
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