Developer I- MES USA (1st Shift)

First Solar; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 68,800 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar designs and manufactures solar modules and relies on robust software systems to run its manufacturing floor. This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and implementing Manufacturing Software Systems integrated with MES hardware and software.

You will work with global teams, drive solution design, and ensure best practices from SDLC, Agile, and data architectures. The position offers opportunities to influence enterprise systems across R&D, Quality, and manufacturing data

Qualifications

• Experience in multi-tier architecture design and development using C#, XAML, ASP.NET, and JavaScript.
• Strong Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL skills for large data processing.
• Familiar with SDLC, Agile, change management and version control.
• Ability to troubleshoot large complex systems and work with global teams.
• Willingness to learn new skills and self-motivate.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new manufacturing software systems for First Solar.
• Integrate shop floor systems with custom and off-the-shelf solutions.
• Provide Manufacturing Systems support and meet KPIs; participate in on-call.
• Document issues and produce technical documentation for operations.
• Adhere to SDLC, safety procedures and SOX compliance.

Skills

C#

XAML

ASP.NET

JavaScript

SQL Server

T-SQL

Test Driven Development

SDLC

Agile

Change management

Version control

Troubleshooting

Global support

Self-motivation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor or Master Degree in IT or related field

2+ years in .NET software development

1+ years interfacing with manufacturing control systems

Tools

Azure DevOps

Git

YAML

Pipelines

Service Fabric

SSIS

Angular

AngularJS

Allen-Bradley Logix PLCs

RSLinx

Job description

Basic Job Functions

Design, Develop, Test and Implement Manufacturing Software System. 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 skills 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 in troubleshooting large complex software system, 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 afterhours support as required via on-call roster system.
• Investigates problems related to software systems, performs root cause analysis, implements 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

• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.
• 0 - 10%

Estimated Salary Range

• 68,800.00 - 98,000.00, 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 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).

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.