Developer I- MES USA

First Solar, Inc.; Trinity (AL); On-site; USD 68,800 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a skilled software developer to design and implement manufacturing software systems. You will collaborate with the MES architect and engage in Agile development processes, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in IT or related fields and proficiency in .NET technologies, SQL Server, and robust problem-solving skills. Join a diverse team at First Solar to contribute solutions to real-world manufacturing challenges.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies.
• 1+ years of experience interfacing with manufacturing control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new software systems for manufacturing.
• Provide support for manufacturing systems and troubleshoot software issues.
• Participate in solution design and enforce software development best practices.

Skills

C#

ASP.NET

JavaScript

Microsoft SQL Server

Agile methodologies

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor or Master degree in IT or related field

Tools

Azure DevOps

Git

YAML

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions

Design, develop, test and implement manufacturing software systems. Works with the MES architect to ensure solutions integrate seamlessly with the MES hardware and software systems to support enterprise design goals. Provides support for First Solar's manufacturing systems, R&D, and quality systems and data architectures.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor or Master degree in IT or related field
• 2+ years in software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies preferred.
• 1+ years of experience interfacing with manufacturing control systems, shop floor automation systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or OPC data transfer preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Experience in solution design and development based on multi‑tiered architecture using C#, XAML, ASP.NET, JavaScript
• Proven expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, T‑SQL development, large volume data processing and maintenance
• Experience in Test Driven Design Development technique
• Proven experience with software development life cycle, Agile teams, change management process, and version control packages
• Proven experience troubleshooting large complex software systems, creative thinker with good problem‑solving abilities
• Experience providing software system support in a global manufacturing environment
• Self‑motivated to learn new skills independently
• Proven communication, interpersonal, organization and project management skills, including the ability to contribute development efforts with multinational team members

Essential Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop new software systems and modify existing ones for First Solar's manufacturing in a fast‑paced & agile development environment
• Participate and provide inputs actively in solution design, performing analysis and tradeoffs for the various solutions and technology options
• Understand, champion, and enforce software development best practices, design patterns, refactoring techniques, and quality standards
• Integrate and configure shop floor systems with custom‑developed and off‑the‑shelf solutions
• Responsible for manufacturing systems support and meeting KPIs. Provides after‑hours support as required via on‑call roster system
• Investigate problems related to software systems, perform root cause analysis, implement short‑term and long‑term preventative measures
• Document recurring issues and present possible solutions. Produce technical documentation for service transition to operation
• Adhere to SDLC processes, Agile methodologies, safety procedures and compliance (SOX, etc.)
• Exercise effective communications & foster team building

Leadership

• Ability to take ownership of small sized tasks and deliver while mentoring team members
• Work independently with Global MES team and stakeholders across different geographical zones to develop/deliver software solutions
• Skilled in breaking down problems, documenting problem statements, assisting to explore alternate technology and approaches to solving problems

Desired Skills

• Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, YAML, and deploying via pipelines is preferred
• Experience with Service Fabric is preferred
• Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Angular and AngularJS is preferred
• Experience interfacing with Allen Bradley Logix PLCs and RSLinx software
• Demonstrated success in integrating manufacturing hardware and 3rd party software systems
• Experience in Windows mobile applications, Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0 is a plus

Travel

• 0-10%

Estimated Salary Range

• $68,800 - $90,000

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 27 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
• The 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)

Office Physical Requirements

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face‑to‑face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good‑faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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.