Engineer- Manufacturing Principal

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

Basic Job Functions: 

Lead projects, both cross functionally and cross site.  Provide technical advice as Subject Matter Expert in respective area.  Integrate knowledge of Equipment, Process and/or Device to solve the most challenging problems and identify improvements. Bring new knowledge into the organization and develop technical skill sets within the team.  Implement new processes to meet schedule, leading troubleshooting efforts as needed to meet project requirements. 

Experience:               

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer III, or 7 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 6 years Engineering and 3 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer III or 6 years engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
• PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer III or 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing setting

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated Leadership of large complex projects as primary contact
• Considered to be subject matter expert in respective discipline and recognized as such across sites
• Ability to identify and reduces high risk areas in manufacturing setting
• Excellent understanding respective toolset, functional area and/or process and device
• Demonstrated technical leadership of teams across multiple functions and factories (for example – Global Alignment Teams)
• Excellent Technical Presentation Skills
• Demonstrated expertise to effectively move projects through CMS process efficiently and effectively

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Subject matter expert in specified job role and frequently consulted to engage or self starter in setting procedural standards (BKM), assist (typically lead) root cause analysis, ability to drive change needed to meet current and future departmental goals 
• Identifies improvement priorities, provides assessment of solution options, recommendation of best solution and implements flawlessly
• May manage a group of technicians
• Lead Complex Project or Technical Teams cross functionally or cross site
• Capable of sustaining respective process area, if applicable 
• Evaluate, Install and Qualify new equipment
• Exceptional vendor management ability 
• Provide mentorship and project oversight to assist in the development of junior engineers
• Identify training needs and develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates
• Responsible to interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Domestic and International travel as required
• Area Specific - SME in Area Process

Travel:

• No travel is required.
• If hiring to a new plant prior to plant start, associate will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) in another plant in either Ohio or Alabama for training until their assigned plan starts equipment installation

Estimated Salary Range:

• $112,300 - $160,000, Annually, Bonus 12%

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 band 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.