Associate Development Engineer - Laser

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg Township (OH); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. seeks a Development Engineer Technician to design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes. You will plan and run engineering experiments, summarize data, and present monthly next steps with conclusions.

You’ll troubleshoot equipment, coordinate installations, and own projects with weekly updates. The role requires hands-on lab work, experience with Python/C++/LabVIEW, and flexibility around tool downtimes or weekend work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associate's Degree in engineering or related discipline with 5 years of relevant experience, or 2 years as DET II at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics or related field with 1 year of relevant experience, or 1 year as DET II at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Physics or Instrumentation Engineering (preferred) without prior work experience.

Responsibilities

• Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance, SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications and fault diagnosis.
• Interface with cross-functional groups to identify, brainstorm, and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Other duties as assigned and evolve with business needs.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Skills

Train others on new projects

Fast-paced environment

Optical setups and laser experience

Ownership and problem resolution

Analytical and communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Programming knowledge

Troubleshooting mechanics/electrical

Continuous improvement mindset

Flexibility for install schedules

Detailed planning and ownership

Basic circuit design (Arduinos etc)

Education

High School Diploma or equiv + 10 yrs exp OR 2 yrs experience as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar

Associate's Degree in engineering or technical discipline + 5 yrs exp OR 2 yrs exp as DET II at First Solar

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics + 1 yr exp OR 1 yr as DET II at First Solar

Master's Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Physics or Instrumentation Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Python

C++

LabVIEW

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes - be extremely hands on.

• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution.

• Attention to detail and summarize experimental data, monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions expected.

• Troubleshoot machine issues and seek process improvements to laser based processes.

• Experience with Python or C++ or LabVIEW, preferred.

• Flexibility to work on weekends or around other tool downtimes is highly desired.

• Will coordinate installation of new equipment and upgrades to existing equipment into a development line.

• Will own projects independently and will give weekly progress updates on those projects

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 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 Electrical Engineering or Physics 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 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics or Instrumentation Engineering(preferred) without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Need to be able to work with and train others on new projects, equipment and operation procedures.

• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment, within strict deadlines while handling multiple tasks.

• Experience with optical setups, solid-state lasers and familiarity with laser material interactions is highly preferred.

• Ability to take ownership of a problem and own the resolution.

• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suit programs.

• Knowledge of at least one programming language and prior work or school projects demonstrating this competency will be valuable for this role.

• Experience with trouble shooting mechanical and electrical problems independently.

• Continuous improvement/learning.

• During equipment install, which lasts for a week or 2 (per install), flexibility in schedule may be needed.

• Ability to make an execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.

• Experience with basic circuit design and components (resistors, inductors, diodes, capacitors Arduino, Raspberry Pi DYI project experience could be helpful in this role).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance, SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications and equipment trouble shooting
• Responsible for interfacing with other cross functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

• May have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $62,500.00 - $89,000.00 annually

US 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 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, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.