First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
- Self-motivated and proven leader responsible for integration of a thin-film photovoltaic module technology ensuring performance and reliability.
- Drive technology transfer from advanced research coupon demonstration to full scale module deployment in a state-of-the-art production pilot line.
Education/Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Science required.
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Master’s degree or Ph.D., preferred.
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Minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience working in a process integration, process development or relaibility testing role.
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PV, semiconductor/thin-film/electronics-related industry, preferred.
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Experience in semiconductor industry or PV technology industry in the following areas is strongly preferred:
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Thin film deposition and thermal processes & process control
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Solid state device characterization
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Device FA and material characterization
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Proven competency in statistical process optimization and data analysis. Understanding of Multivariate Analysis, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Experience using statistical software (JMP preferred).
- Experiment planning and prioritization skills. Ability to assess experimental risk, scopes and timelines and to plan accordingly.
- Ability to successfully advocate for positions and ensure data driven decisions.
- Possess excellent data handling, organization and communication skills.
- Proven ability to integrate several process development activities in parallel.
- Deep understanding of solid-state device physics, thin-film polycrystalline experience highly desirable.
- Proficient in optical, electrical and opto-electronic properties of photovoltaic devices.
- Fundamental understanding of material and device characterization as well as FA.
- Advanced understanding of process equipment, engineering techniques and practices.
- Experience in thin film deposition methods and processes.
- Proven skills in problem solving and Root Cause Analysis.
- Solid understanding of processes control strategy development, implementation and optimization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate others to accomplish objectives and gain desired results.
- Ability to coordinate activities between various technology, engineering and operations groups.
- Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Drive technology roadmap projects to successful completion coordinating activities between advanced research, coupon pilot line, process and equipment engineering, quality and relaibility, and manufacturing organizations.
- Matrix Manage a team of cross functional engineers. Define specific and quantifiable objectives for each individual team member as well as for the team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure effective co-operation of interdepartmental teams.
- Responsible for effective communication between teams, foster team building, encourage creativity and out of the box thinking.
- Interface with process engineering and equipment engineering as well as operations.
- Ensure adherence to program goals and schedules.
- Prioritize experiments in the production line and plan WIP allocation.
- Integrate FA, material, and device characteristics and process data to determine the mechanisms and root causes of failures and resulting film and device properties.
- Responsible for process control strategy and optimization.
- Participate in cross-functional team reviews.
- Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.
- Demonstrate creativity via novel ideas adding to the First Solar’s IP portfolio.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position will report to Development Director or Development Head.
- This position will have direct reports.
Travel:
- 5% - 10%
Estimated Salary Range:
- $131,200 - $187,000 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Science
- Master's degree or Ph.D.
- Minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience in process integration, process development, or reliability testing
- Experience in PV, semiconductor, thin-film, or electronics-related industry
- Experience in thin film deposition and thermal processes and process control
- Solid-state device characterization experience
- Device failure analysis (FA) and material characterization experience
- Proven competency in statistical process optimization and data analysis (Multivariate Analysis, Regression, DOE)
- Experience using statistical software
- Experience using JMP
- Experiment planning and prioritization skills, ability to assess experimental risk and timelines
- Strong data handling, organization and communication skills
- Ability to integrate multiple parallel process development activities
- Deep understanding of solid-state device physics and thin-film polycrystalline materials
- Proficiency in optical, electrical and opto-electronic properties of photovoltaic devices
- Fundamental understanding of material and device characterization and FA
- Advanced understanding of process equipment, engineering techniques and practices
- Proven problem solving and Root Cause Analysis skills
- Understanding of process control strategy development, implementation and optimization
- Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate others and matrix-manage cross-functional teams
- Ability to coordinate activities between technology, engineering and operations groups
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite programs
- Ability to comply with safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment, including respirator capability
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.
