Development Engineer II

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 80,700 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is looking for an experienced Development Engineer to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability while reducing manufacturing costs. The role involves conducting experiments and applying engineering methods for optimization.

Candidates must have a relevant degree and extensive technical experience in an engineering discipline. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team are essential for success in this position.

The estimated salary range is between $80,700 to $115,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering or related discipline, without prior experience.
• Master's Degree with 3 years relevant experience.
• Bachelor's Degree with 5 years relevant experience.
• Associate’s Degree with 15 years relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improving solar cell efficiency.
• Apply advanced techniques for material and statistical analysis.
• Communicate effectively with partners and customers.
• Support cross-functional projects and mentor junior associates.

Skills

Functional business units’ core area knowledge

Hands-on experience in experiments

Analytical skills

Detailed planning

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in an engineering discipline

Master's Degree in an engineering discipline

Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline

Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline

Job 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.
• Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.
• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improves methods for use by others.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’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 I at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of functional business units’ core area (e.g., sputter or materials science), with expert knowledge in at least one area.
• Skills and hands‑on experience in 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.
• Good communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Apply state‑of‑the‑art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths.
• May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
• Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross‑functional projects and take ownership of sub‑deliverables.
• May train, mentor and manage junior associates.
• 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 Development Engineer or Development Manager.
• May have direct reports.

Travel

• 0% – 5% (On occasion / as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range

• $80,700 – $115,000 Annually

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).

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.