First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
We are seeking an experienced Product Manager with 6+ years of experience in IoT (Internet of Things) and AI technologies, specifically within the manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of manufacturing operations and a proven track record of leveraging AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics to drive operational efficiency and innovation. This role will be responsible for leading the development and execution of IoT-enabled AI products that optimize manufacturing processes, improve productivity, and reduce operational costs.
Education/Experience:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. An MBA is a plus.
Experience working with cloud platforms (AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub) for large-scale data collection and analysis.
Familiarity with agile methodologies for product development.
High School Degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience.
Key Technologies
IoT Platforms (e.g., AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT)
Machine Learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
Cloud Computing
Predictive Analytics
Data Security Protocols
Required Skills/Competencies:
Experience: 6+ years of product management experience with a focus on IoT solutions in the manufacturing industry. Experience with AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, or predictive analytics is essential.
Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of IoT architecture (hardware, software, communication protocols) and AI technologies applied in manufacturing operations (e.g., predictive maintenance using ML models).
Industry Knowledge: Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational challenges, and how IoT/AI can be applied to solve them.
Leadership Skills:
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Demonstrated successes in a product line leadership role
Demonstrated ability to facilitate alignment and results in a cross-functional, globally distributed environment
Analytical Thinking: Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills to interpret complex data sets from IoT devices and AI models for decision-making.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for non-technical stakeholders.
Strategic Skills: Product Strategy development balancing technology capabilities, profitability, customer value, and competitiveness
Essential Responsibilities:
Product Strategy & Roadmap: Define and execute the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for IoT and AI-driven solutions in manufacturing operations.
Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, data science, marketing, sales, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless product development and delivery.
AI Integration: Leverage AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, computer vision) to enhance manufacturing operations, such as predictive maintenance, quality control automation, and process optimization.
IoT Ecosystem Management: Oversee the integration of IoT devices (sensors, actuators) with cloud platforms to collect real-time data from manufacturing environments.
Customer-Centric Development: Engage with customers to understand their pain points and requirements. Translate these insights into actionable product features that address real-world challenges in manufacturing.
Data Security & Compliance: Ensure that all IoT devices and AI systems comply with data security standards and regulatory requirements specific to the manufacturing industry.
Market Research & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats. Use these insights to position the product effectively within the market.
Lifecycle Management: Manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation through launch to post-launch performance tracking. Continuously iterate on product features based on customer feedback and market demand.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to the Manager of Product Management
- This is an Individual contributor position
Travel:
0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)
Estimated Salary Range:
$84,200-120,000
US Physical Requirements:
Office Physical Requirements:
All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.
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 are a driving force in the success of our company.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- 6+ years of product management experience focused on IoT solutions in manufacturing
- Experience with IoT and AI technologies in manufacturing, including machine learning, computer vision, or predictive analytics
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS IoT or Azure IoT Hub
- Strong understanding of IoT architecture, including hardware, software, and communication protocols
- Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational challenges
- Familiarity with Agile product development methodologies
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex, multi-stakeholder projects
- Experience in product line leadership
- Ability to work effectively in a globally distributed environment
- Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills
- Experience developing product strategy balancing technology, profitability, customer value, and competitiveness
- MBA
- High school degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience as an alternative qualification
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.







