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 regarding analytics and data science. Integrate knowledge of Equipment, Process and/or Device to solve the most challenging problems and identify improvements. Bring new knowledge of emerging technologies into the organization and develop technical skill sets within the team. Work with IT, MES architects and controls engineers to ensure solutions integrate seamlessly with the FS hardware and software systems to support enterprise goals. Implement new processes to meet schedule, leading troubleshooting efforts as needed to meet project requirements. Provide technical presentations.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III, or 9 years Engineering experience in a technical setting
MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 7 years engineering experience in a technical setting or
PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 5 years’ experience in a technical setting
Required Skills/Competencies:
Demonstrated Project management / Leadership of large complex projects
Broad expertise in data ecosystems including extraction, manipulation, modeling and orchestration within an MES ecosystem and excellent understanding of how all processes integrate
Demonstrated ability to combine knowledge of analytics software, IT/OT environments to develop solutions for manufacturing process and equipment
Demonstrated technical leadership of teams across multiple functions and factories
Demonstrated ability to bring new knowledge to the organization
Demonstrated experience in programming with Python and utilizing machine learning frameworks, including but not limited to PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face libraries
Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning solutions.
Demonstrated experience with image classification, object detection, and computer vision modeling
Experience manipulating large data sets through statistical software (ex. JMP, SAS, R) or other methods
Proficiency working with APIs and using containerization of analytical solutions with integration and management within IT/OT ecosystem
Proficiency in version control using tools like Git and experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools.
Demonstrated expertise to effectively move projects through CMS process efficiently and effectively
Excellent Technical Presentation Skills
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document improvements to manufacturing automation systems
Develop specifications towards new automation hardware and software.
Evaluate, Install and Qualify new automation systems.
Define qualification plan and lead CMS projects for new automation processes in the factory.
Identifies improvement priorities, provides assessment of solution options, recommendation of best solution and implements flawlessly
Lead Complex Project or Technical Teams cross functionally or cross site
Champion continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods
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, manufacturing engineers, IT, MES and controls engineers
Other duties as assigned.
Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to Manager of Manufacturing Engineering Data Science
May have direct reports
Travel:
Domestic and International travel as required
Choose an item.
Estimated Salary Range:
$112,300-$159,650.00
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 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on an occasional 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 an occasional 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 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 is a driving force in the success of our company.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (or MS/PhD alternative) with required industry experience
- Demonstrated project management and leadership of large complex projects
- Broad expertise in data ecosystems including extraction, manipulation, modeling and orchestration within an MES ecosystem
- Ability to combine analytics software knowledge with IT/OT environments to develop manufacturing process and equipment solutions
- Technical leadership of teams across multiple functions and factories
- Experience programming with Python
- Experience with machine learning frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face libraries
- Proven experience developing and deploying machine learning solutions
- Experience with image classification, object detection, and computer vision modeling
- Experience manipulating large data sets using statistical software (JMP, SAS, R) or equivalent methods
- Proficiency working with APIs and containerization of analytical solutions within IT/OT ecosystems
- Proficiency in version control using Git and experience with CI/CD tools
- Demonstrated expertise moving projects through CMS process efficiently
- Excellent technical presentation skills
- Ability to develop, improve, document, evaluate, install, and qualify manufacturing automation systems
- Experience defining qualification plans and leading CMS projects for new automation processes
- Champion continuous improvement using Six Sigma and statistical problem-solving methods
- Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide project oversight
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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