Associate Development Engineer

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); Hybrid; USD 62,500 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Perrysburg, Ohio, is seeking a Development Engineer to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability. You will oversee projects, execute experiments, and apply engineering methods to optimize workflow.

The ideal candidate will have experience in material selection, process design, and a strong educational background in engineering. First Solar values inclusivity and diversity, offering a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as a Development Engineer Technician II.
• 5 years of relevant experience with an Associate's Degree.
• 1 year of experience with a Bachelor's Degree in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Perform material and device research to enhance solar cell performance.
• Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency.

Skills

Advanced knowledge in several relevant skills

Skills in design and execution of experiments

Analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree in engineering or related field

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

Master’s Degree in engineering

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Functions

• Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.

• Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within the group.

• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.

• Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.

• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Advanced knowledge in several skills that are relevant to the group.
• Skills and hands‑on experience in design and execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
• Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
• Effective communication skills.
• Evaluation of adhesives, coatings, glass, polymers, metals and other materials and mechanical properties using industry standard analysis techniques and methods, preferred.
• Process development and equipment/process characterization for adhesives, coatings, glass, metals, polymers, mechanical part assembly, or related materials, processes and application equipment preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of process capability, KPIs/KPOs, detailed process mapping, DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, fingerprints, OCAPs and other equipment or process related documentation, preferred.
• Troubleshooting, root cause or failure analysis experience with equipment, product, process or material failures, preferred.
• Product development and product qualification process, specification and DFMEA experience, preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Apply established methods for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments.
• May contribute to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May contribute to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
• Effective team member that can support cross functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Works under minimal supervision. May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training lower level employees.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Manager- Process Development
• May have direct reports.

Travel

• Some travel may be required, <5%.

Estimated Salary Range

• $62,500 - $89,000 Annually

US Physical Requirements

Hybrid 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 58 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.