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

Basic Job Functions:

Primary interface of RDC to Process development (Unit Technical Teams / Semiconductor Development) Lead RDC tool owners across multiple varied toolsets with the focus on process transfer from Semiconductor development and scale-up. Develop and define standards and best practices for equipment sustaining and continuous improvement and documentation to meet RDC equipment uptime targets. Lead and oversee equipment safety (EHS), sustaining, maintenance and facility operations. Engineering lead for modification of existing RDC tools to support high volume manufacturing of thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules. Initiate engineering changes to reduce equipment cost for future product line expansion. Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex, require significant innovation and critical to department objectives. Collaborate closely with technical development and manufacturing teams to deliver production-ready solutions to meet demanding process roadmaps.  Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Core leader within the group in one or more areas.

Education/Experience:

BS, majoring in engineering, physics or similar technical discipline.  Master’s or PhD preferred. 5 to 10 years working in a technical manufacturing field with management experience in a production environment. Large scale PV or semiconductor manufacturing experience preferred. PV device characterization experience preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering skills to lead a technical project from concept through design and into production. Advanced knowledge of mechanical design and machine automation including Electrical, Mechanical, Vacuum Systems and Laser operations. Working knowledge of LOTO and 70E electrical safety. Proven knowledge of Manufacturing processes and equipment. Technical expert and innovator in one area of photovoltaic processes and/or equipment development. Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with the ability to develop new solutions. Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude. Strong communication skills across organizations with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams. Project management skills related to schedule, budget, and equipment supplier interface. Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams. Proven knowledge of Engineering Principals and Best Practices.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsible for transfer of processes developed by the Unit Technical Teams in Semiconductor development to the RDC full module size and manufacturing cycle time tool sets. Owns the equipment scale-up and process transfer problem solving. Focus on equipment planning to maximize RDC capacity utilization for ETA operations, baseline runs and engineering trials.  Responsible for the implementation of process enhancements to improve production and changeover efficiency based on the unique set-up of the RDC operations. Develop plans for the implementation of new technology including the implementation of capital plans. Utilizes visual pilot line concepts to maximize asset utilization and line performance in general. Spend an appropriate amount of time on the RDC floor developing both supervisory personnel and front-line employees. This individual ensures that all members of his/her team are fully capable of troubleshooting equipment. Ensures that production and support equipment are available. Responsible for manpower planning, elimination of waste, quality, and safety compliance  Defines the RDC PM schedule for first of its kind equipment and is responsible for the execution leveraging ERP resources. Budget responsibility over relevant cost centers to include repair and maintenance, maintenance labor, utilities, and capital improvement plans. Responsible for the development and execution of project plans, schedules, and budgets for design of new equipment or modification to existing equipment. Demonstrate creativity via novel ideas adding to First Solar’s IP portfolio. Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts as needed. Will train, mentor, and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.  Contributes to continuous improvement of said policies. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to RDC Technical Director. Will have direct reports.

Travel:

5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

$106,000 - $150,000 Annually 

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 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.