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

Basic Job Functions:

Developer Engineer supports global manufacturing site in new manufacturing factories/new technologies qualification and production ramp.  Evaluate, Design, Develop, Test and Implement Manufacturing Software System. Works with the MES architect to ensure solutions integrate seamlessly with the MES hardware and software systems to support enterprise design goals. Provides technical leadership to the development team. Provides support for First Solar’s Manufacturing Systems, R&D, and Quality systems and data architectures.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor or Master Degree in IT or related field 6+ years in software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies preferred. 3+ years of experience interfacing with manufacturing control systems, shop floor automation systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or OPC data transfer preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Strong solution design and development skills based on multi-tiered architecture using C#, XAML, ASP.NET, JavaScript Proven expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL development, large volume data processing and maintenance Experience in Test Driven Design Development technique. Demonstrated expertise with manufacturing software architecture and execution systems. Proven experience with software development life cycle, Agile teams, change management process, and version control packages. Proven experience in troubleshooting large complex software system, creative thinker with good problem-solving abilities. Experience providing software system support in a global manufacturing environment. Self-motivated to learn new skills independently. Proven communication, interpersonal, organization and project management skills, including the ability to drive international projects with multinational team members.

Desired Skills:

Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, YAML, and deploying via Pipelines is preferred. Experience with Service Fabric is preferred. Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Angular and AngularJS is preferred. Experience interfacing with Allen Bradley Logix PLCs and RSLinx software. Demonstrated success in integrating manufacturing hardware and 3rd party software systems. Experience in Windows mobile applications, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0 is a plus.

Essential Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities:

Design and develop new software systems and modify existing ones for First Solar’s manufacturing in a fast paced & agile development environment. Provide technical leadership to development team, deliver detailed analysis and tradeoffs for the various solutions in accordance with business needs and MES system standards. Produces application designs documents, program specifications or prototypes. Understand, champion, and enforce software development best practices, design patterns, refactoring techniques, and quality standards. Evaluate, integrate, and configure shop floor systems with custom-developed and off-the-shelf solution. Responsible for Manufacturing Systems support and meeting KPIs. Provides afterhours support as required via on-call roster system. Investigates problems related to software systems, performs root cause analysis, implements short term and long-term preventative measures. Document recurring issues and present possible solutions. Produce technical documentation for service transition to operation. Adhere to SDLC processes, agile methodologies, safety procedures and compliance (SOx, etc.) Exercise effective communications & foster team building.

Leadership

Ability to take ownership of medium sized tasks and deliver while mentoring team members. Lead/Collaborate with Global MES team and stakeholders across different geographical zones to develop / deliver software solutions. Skilled in breaking down problems, documenting problem statements, initiative to explore alternate technology and approaches to solving problems and estimating efforts. Ensures understanding of issues, presents clear rationale, and manages stakeholders.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to Group Manager, Operations, Global

Travel:

40% - 50%

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. The 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).

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.

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.