Engineer, Manufacturing I USA

About the Role

The Manufacturing Engineer will install and qualify new process equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner. This includes addressing tool-down issues, yield, quality issues, and identifying actions to prevent repeat issues. The role also involves identifying and/or implementing system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
• Install and qualify new equipment
• Maintain Gauges
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results
• Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers
• Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvement
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, and develop and enforce standard operating procedures
• Develop and maintain process control plans
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements & Tech Stack

Required Skills/Competencies

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis
• Good problem-solving skills
• Understands metrology and measurement best practices
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to write manufacturing documentation

Desired Skills

• Understands and can apply DOE
• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Understands and can apply structured problem-solving (such as DMAIC)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• General Electrical / Electronics
• General Mechanical
• Previous experience in one or more of the following process areas: Vacuum Deposition/ Thermal/ Laser/ Wetline/ Automation/ Adhesive/ Welding/ Material Handling/ Robotics/ Vision Systems/ PLC Programming among others

Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with:
• 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or
• 6 or more years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.
• The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements, in each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis:
• 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III
• Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level
• 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred.

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).