Principal / Senior Engineer

REC Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international solar energy firm in Singapore is seeking a Principal/Senior Engineer to manage R&D projects related to thin film deposition in solar cell technology. The role requires expertise in the implementation of new processes and data analysis to improve production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, relevant experience in solar technologies, and excellent communication skills. This position offers the opportunity for overseas travel for technology transfer activities, adhering to safety protocols and promoting innovative solutions.

Benefits

Company transport

Excellent working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in R&D or engineering department of Solar/Semiconductors.
• Proven track record in implementing new processes into production.
• Research experience of heterojunction solar cells advantageous.
• Ability to work cross-department and cross-functional.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D projects for R&D and production.
• Execute thin film deposition to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with departments to implement technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Thin film deposition processes

Project management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

CVD and PVD equipment

Simulation software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is an international pioneering solar energy company with a strong footprint in North America, Europe and Asia. We are part of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a Fortune Global 500 company that shares our passion for bold innovations that empower people with clean energy solutions and drive global energy transitions. A trusted partner for customers, consumers and employees, we are "Solar's most trusted"!

DESIGNATION

Principal / Senior Engineer (Thin Film Deposition, Solar Cell Technology)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the management and execution of R&D projects aimed at improving conversion efficiency for n-Mono crystalline silicon solar cells based on heterojunction structure with amorphous Si passivation and transparent conductive oxide (TCO). Responsible for the execution of thin film deposition using CVD and PVD techniques e.g. PECVD, magnetron sputtering PVD, aimed at improving conversion efficiency for crystalline silicon solar cells. Added advantage if the candidate has solar cell device physics, characterization of amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon films (Raman, Eg, Ea) and TCO films (hall effect mobility, carrier concentration, conductivity). He/She is expected to bring break‑through technological ideas in cell processing for n-mono cell efficiency. As part of the technology transfer team, he/she is responsible for realizing the cell efficiency gain research enablers in the production condition. Besides, candidates need to be a highly motivated, hands‑on process and characterization expert to bring the production‑level cell efficiency up and oversee successful implementation of cell efficiency improvement project to the product level including module power and product reliability. He/She will collaborate closely across departments to bring research ideas and developments to production implementations and lead RCA to identify problems and provide solutions. He/She will also be engaged in designing/specifying the equipment requirement for line upgrade and/or a capacity expansion. He/she is responsible to keep a close eye on external developments in his/her field of expertise that might be relevant to REC technology roadmap. He/She is expected to operate to the highest standards of safety and ethics, in accordance with the REC’s Code of Conduct.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tasks

• Bring in the expertise in n-Mono solar cell process development and integration to increase cell efficiency in production.
• Bring in the next generation and novel solar cell processes for CVD and PVD for High-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells applications.
• Transfer of newly developed processes to production as part of the delivery of R&D projects. This position is specifically for the latest expansion on G12 wafer size and overlook the technology transfer activities to overseas production lines.
• Design, evaluate and specify the tool requirements for production line upgrade and capacity expansion.
• Perform characterizations of the experimental samples and data analysis. Use of empirical data to build simulation file using python programming, VBA or excel formula.
• Manage project and report project status.
• To overlook the full implementation of the improved process of the first pilot production run in accordance to REC project management guidelines i.e. PCRB (Process Change Review Board) and RPDM (REC Project Development Management) including writing of proper documentations at different stages of process development and technology changes (for example implication and interactions with other processes, lessons learnt) for the handover to Operation.

Safety

• Achieve zero safety incidents
• Comply with the company’s safety protocols at all times
• Participate in projects related to safety improvement

Communication and Presentation

• Ability to communicate and present at all levels of the organization

Others

• Perform other duties as assigned. Duties will vary according to the degree of difficulty and involvement of the specific targets set in the department.
• Keep up-to-date on new external developments on processes for silicon solar cells.
• Develop a network with experts in Singapore and abroad in the field
• Depending on the competencies developed, the engineer may be rotated to different departments

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Minimum Master degree in Engineering or Science.
• Minimum 3 years experience for Senior level or 5 years experience for Principal level in an R&D or engineering department of Solar/Semiconductors/Electronics company.
• Proven track record of implementing new processes into pilot and/or mass production.
• Prior process knowledge to thin film deposition on PECVD process, magnetron sputtering process, evaporation process.
• Research experience of heterojunction solar cell is advantageous.
• Prior knowledge of python, excel VBA or simulation software and simulation software for solar cell.
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience with n-Mono crystalline solar cell processes and integration.
• Excellent team player and proactive working attitude.
• Good presentation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective problem solving skills and ability to use systematic approaches to solve problem.
• Ability to gather and review resources and select and synthesize data for reports and other written materials.
• Ability to work in cross‑department and cross‑functional duties not limited to engineering jobs (includes project planning, liaise with different levels within organization to speed up development process). High exposure to fast pace manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and through extended hours when needed to meet business commitments.
• High level of accuracy with special attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Readiness to travel – Overseas travel is required for technology transfer activities mainly China and India (33% a year non‑consecutive travel)
• Excellent command on English Language is necessary. Additional knowledge of other language(s) is an advantage.
• Able to perform standing work for longer period of time when performing hands‑on experiment.
• Able to wear chemical personal protective equipment (safety shoes, gloves, goggles).

Additional Advantageous Skills

• Experience with advanced processes for high‑efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells.
• Experience in using simulation software e.g. PV lighthouse, PC1D, AMORSFET.
• Proficient in Software statistical tools is an added advantage (Minitab, JMP, etc).

OTHER INFORMATION

REC Plant Location: REC Solar, 20 Tuas South Avenue 14 Singapore 637312 (Company transport available to/from selected locations islandwide.)