Development Engineer II

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 89,440 - 127,400; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy provider in California is looking for a skilled Development Engineer to enhance thin film solar cell performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, with at least an Associate's Degree and relevant experience. Responsibilities include performing material research, conducting experiments, and ensuring manufacturing efficiency. An ability to work independently, coupled with critical thinking skills, is essential for success in this role. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on experience in semiconductor or material sciences.
• Experience writing and auditing production standard documents required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels.

Responsibilities

• Monitor RnD line health and ensure material quality.
• Conduct yield improvement through analysis.
• Perform troubleshooting with process teams efficiently.

Skills

Yield study experience

Device failure analysis

Statistical process control

Excellent computer skills

Critical thinking

Team player

Ability to work independently

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering and 10 years experience

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and 3 years experience

Master’s Degree in engineering and 1 year experience

Tools

Characterization tools (XPS, TEM, etc.)

Process techniques (SPC, CVD, etc.)

Python for databasing

Job description

Job Description

• Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
• Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex require significant innovation and critical to department objectives.
• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment with strategic foresight. Drives actions with strategic foresight.
• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improves methods for use by others.

Education / Experience

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer Technician III at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 year of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer Technician III at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 2 year of experience as an Associate Engineer at First Solar.
• 2-4 years of manufacturing work experience is preferred.
• Engineering or material science background is preferred.

Required Skills / Competencies

• Prior experience in yield study, device or film level failure analysis, corner case study, spec development, SPC establishment, quality system establishment (IQC, IPQC, OQC).
• Working knowledge with a variety of and in-depth knowledge of at least one among these process techniques: sputtering, CVD, ALD, CMP, wet/dry etch, evaporation, laser, slot die, inkjet print.
• User level knowledge of variety of characterization tools such as XPS, TOF-SIMS, DSIM, X-SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, XRF, FTIR, UV-Vis, RBS, Raman, Ellipsometry.
• Prior experience authoring/sustaining/auditing production standard documents including SOP, PTP, QCP, training matric.
• It’s a plus to have:
  • Hands‑on working experience in semi fab or display fab.
  • Knowledge on semiconductor device physics.
  • People or program management experience.
  • Python or other coding capability related to databasing.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision.
• Ability to follow Safe Work Practices. Full understanding of LOTO.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Excellent computer skills (Windows, Office, JMP).
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking, attention to details.
• Good team player, accountable, agile, go‑getter.
• Willing to work odd hours or long hours when pressed by deadlines or under urgent line down situations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Ensure RnD line health through unit process and thin film material quality monitoring, critical analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Report out line health daily/weekly: data gathering, excursion root cause analysis, solution planning.
• Perform generic line troubleshooting with process and integration teams in a timely manner as required.
• Study process window through corner cases and establish process spec/control limit.
• Establish yield bridge, drive yield improvement through process, operation, material, equipment improvement.
• Improve operation productivity through analysis of operation bottleneck, identify cost‑neutral opportunities and drive implementation.
• Own operation alignment with sister sites.
• Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.
• May have direct reports.

Travel

• Up to 10% domestic and international.

Estimated Salary Range

• $89,440-$127,400 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.
• 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).

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.