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

Basic Job Functions:

Defines, implements, and monitors quality systems to ensure the quality of materials and products produced meet required specifications.   Manages product and process quality systems according to company policy and ISO Standards, facilitating internal and external customer satisfaction.  Analyzes metrics, audits, inspections and manufacturing data to drive detection, containment, prevention and continuous improvement activities.  Leads cross-functional teams of peers to resolve of quality issues. Strongly advocates for quality within the organization.

Education/Experience:

Associate’s degree in a technical discipline and 5 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.    Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.    Master’s or PhD degree in a technical discipline with minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in related quality systems processes, including ISO Quality Systems and/or use of Advance Quality Planning tools.    ASQ Certifications preferred (Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or similar)  Third Party Certification as ISO-9001 Auditor preferred Equipment 

Required Skills/Competencies:

Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Demonstrates collaborative leadership style. Proven Quality Management System knowledge and experience. Demonstrates strong passion for structured root cause investigation, identification, and permanent corrective action, implementation, and validation.    Demonstrates advanced proficiency and application of Advanced Quality Planning tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plan, Process Mapping, Gage Studies.  Proven use of statistical methods (Six Sigma tools, SPC). Advanced experience with MS Office including Excel, Word, and Power Point.  Experience with SAP, JMP or SAS helpful, but not required. Successful experience in third party quality management system maintenance.  (ISO 9001). Earns and maintains a high level of peer respect to be a leader in critical improvement initiatives. Must be an advocate for quality and continual improvement within the organization. Evidence of effective customer interface

Essential Responsibilities:

Act independently and lead cross-functionally, with minimal management direction to execute the functions of the position.  Apply advanced quality planning tools to drive the successful qualification of new products and processes.  Work with the product and process engineering teams to perform process interaction analysis utilizing the FMEA approach.  Drive identification of true root cause of non-conformances using analytical tools and structured problem-solving to ensure proper permanent corrective actions are implemented, validated, and sustained.    Drive continuous improvement in processes and controls, focusing on the application of FMEA, process monitoring and SPC methods. Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute action plans to achieve quality goals. Lead efforts to improve capability of manufacturing operations through new processes, tools and skills. Manage schedule of and perform internal product and process audits; document and communicate results of audits. Develop and support new gauge methods for improvements to inspection methods and process controls.  Participates in the production readiness process of new process and equipment designs. Earn and maintain a high level of peer respect to be a leader in critical improvement initiatives. Must be an advocate for quality and continual improvement within the organization. Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards. Job description subject to change at any time

Reporting Relationships:

This position will likely have multiple technician direct reports.

Travel:

0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.) Travel to existing FS or supplier sites may be required initially. 

Estimated Annual Salary Range:

$75,000 - $104,000 Estimated Annual Salary

US Physical Requirements:

Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day. Will climb stairs on a frequent basis. Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction. Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis. Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).
 

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 is a driving force in the success of our company.