Engineer

About the Role

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading manufacturing readiness planning and execution for new technology and process changes.
• Coordinating with Manufacturing Operations to mobilize resources for New Process changes during Product Qualification and Manufacturing Qualification test runs.
• Influencing, translating, and organizing new technology and process change Manning Layouts.
• Coordinating Manufacturing Operation Resources to complete identified training modules prior to change execution.
• Managing ETA physical inventory staging at the designated Engineering on Hold Kanban area.
• Documenting and updating DNM WIP Transfer Configuration and Mobilization Strategy.
• Coordinating with Manufacturing Operation to manage NCP physical inventory and staging.
• Organizing and scheduling New Process change Training & Certification execution.
• Participating and interacting with New Process Program Teams to provide Manufacturing Operational Feedbacks/Inputs/Training Needs.
• Maintaining effective communication and fostering teamwork to achieve New Process change objectives.
• Driving manufacturing operation FMEA and capacity validation for NPI/process changes.
• Working on projects and issues of moderate complexity requiring evaluation of various factors and understanding of departmental needs.
• Exercising judgment within defined procedures and policies.
• Following processes and operational policies in selecting methods/techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Developing and administering project plan schedules and performance requirements.
• Working on issues where analysis requires an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Technical Disciplines / Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Chemical, Materials Science, or Applied Physics.
• Associates Degree in a technical discipline with:
• 2 years’ experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or
• 4-6 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or
• 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with:
• 0-2 years’ experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, or
• 2-3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or
• 2 years Engineering experience and 4 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting.
• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 1-2 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Minimum 3-5 years of working experience in Manufacturing Operations or Engineering role in a high-tech industry (Photovoltaic or Semiconductor or PCBA) or a Technology based High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) environment is preferred.
• Experience in Project Management with prior engagement in New Process or Technology transfer in a manufacturing environment.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Project, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

Behavioral

• Good leadership skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Good analytical and strategic thinking.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• A moderate degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Ensures adherence to all First Solar processes and procedures, including safety, housekeeping, etc.
• May require some degree of traveling as needed.

Technical

• Proven organizational skills – ability to prioritize.
• Strong knowledge of basic Engineering techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of MS Office software (strong knowledge of Microsoft Project/PowerPoint/Excel required).
• Understanding of Underwriters Laboratory (UL), ISO 9000/14000, & OSHAS 18000 standards/procedures (experience preferred).

Decision Making

• Select, evaluate, and develop qualification plan objectives with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize tasks consistent with achieving overall organizational/department metrics and goals.
• Implement planning decisions based on team consensus.
• Able to functionally serve as a delegate for their direct manager with moderate guidance.

Problem Solving

• Ability to assess, define, and solve complex supplier and material procurement issues with minimal supervision.
• Apply appropriate benchmarks, data analysis, and risk management techniques.
• Ability to contribute & influence team-based initiatives.

Project Management

• Understands and demonstrates intermediate project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to close projects on time with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience writing test plans, analyzing/reporting data, and documenting results and conclusions.

Interaction

• Maintains and improves relationships with Cross Functional teams through excellent communication.
• Contributes and influences cooperative efforts among project team members.
• Frequently interacts with functional peers and negotiates support and production time.
• Interaction normally requires the ability to gain cooperation from others and conduct presentations concerning specific projects, objectives, and schedules to functional Managers/Directors.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Ability to climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 37 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 both eyes together, with or without correction.
• 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 (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
• For those requiring respirator use, a condition of employment includes little or no facial hair.

Office Physical Requirements

• Interaction with people and technology while standing or sitting.
• Ability to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation.