Advanced Control Systems Engineer - AI/ML & Automation

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 104,910 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a Development Engineer to lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems and PLC/HMI software. You will support equipment commissioning, data collection, and AI/ML adoption across MES and SQL databases.

Required education ranges from Associate to PhD in engineering, with 2+ years in related industrial roles. Travel up to 10% domestically/internationally; strong Python and AutoCAD skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with Python and ML libraries
• Experience in controls engineering and PLC/HMI programming
• Strong CAD skills for electrical layouts
• Hands-on troubleshooting of electrical control systems
• Familiarity with robotics, motion control, and vision systems
• Experience coordinating with international vendors
• Knowledge of data preprocessing and ML concepts for industrial use
• Experience with MSSQL/SSMS and data visualization tools
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Responsibilities

• Design and enhance control software for process and analytical equipment
• Streamline database systems through administration and automation
• Develop software tools to address site-specific challenges
• Coordinate design, programming, and implementation of control systems
• Assist with equipment installation and drawings maintenance
• Support cross-functional teams on large projects including hardware bring-up and CIP debugging
• Bridge data gaps between equipment and corporate servers for data exchange
• Maintain safe and compliant working practices

Skills

Python

PLC/HMI

AutoCAD

Electrical control systems

Robotics/vision

SQL/Databases

Machine learning basics

Data visualization

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Tools

MSSQL/SSMS

Cognex configuration

Job description

First Solar is seeking a Development Engineer to lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems and PLC/HMI software. You will support equipment commissioning, data collection, and AI/ML adoption across MES and SQL databases.

Required education ranges from Associate to PhD in engineering, with 2+ years in related industrial roles. Travel up to 10% domestically/internationally; strong Python and AutoCAD skills are essential.