Development Engineer II

First Solar, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 104,910 - 149,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Santa Clara seeks an experienced professional to lead R&D equipment management. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge in semiconductor processing and display fabrication, with an emphasis on troubleshooting and equipment operation. Responsibilities include addressing equipment issues, managing projects under tight budgets, and collaborating with various teams to enhance operations. A background in mechanical engineering or material science is strongly preferred, along with experience in vendor management and data automation.

Qualifications

• 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Mechanical engineer or material science background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Address equipment issues and drive troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with teams to improve process control and equipment operation.
• Manage R&D equipment projects with budgets and schedules.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of processing and test tools

Equipment operation and maintenance experience

Scripting for data automation

Excellent computer skills

Critical thinking and attention to detail

Team player

Education

Associate's degree in engineering or similar

Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar

Master's degree in engineering or similar

Ph.D. in engineering or similar

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions

• Serve as R&D equipment project owner and lead equipment management on site.
• Manage equipment PM, spare part, consumables, and equipment-related documentation (manual, schematics, PM SOP, LOTO doc).
• Perform generic equipment troubleshooting with equipment sustaining team.
• Drive existing equipment CIP to boost throughput, improve uptime, reduce cost, and enhance data automation.
• Support new equipment procurement (spec development, design review, acceptance test).

Education/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.
• Mechanical engineer or material science background strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Prior experience and extensive knowledge working with a variety of processing and test tools for semiconductor device or display fabrication.
• Hands‑on experience with equipment operation and maintenance, including equipment troubleshooting at the systems level and collaboration with process and integration engineers for equipment CIP.
• Experience in new tool procurement and vendor management a plus.
• Experience in scripting for data automation a plus.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision, follow Safe Work Practices, fully understand LOTO, communicate regularly with all levels of associates, and follow verbal and/or written instructions/test plans.
• Excellent computer skills (Windows, Office).
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Good team player, accountable, agile, go‑getter.
• Willing to work odd hours or long hours when pressed by deadlines or under urgent situations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Hands‑on addressing equipment issues, drive equipment troubleshooting and recovery.
• Establish and enforce equipment sustaining infrastructure (PM, spare, consumable, training) to prevent unexpected downtime.
• Collaborate with operation, process and integration teams to improve process control, boost uptime, reduce cost, and streamline operation through equipment CIP.
• Manage R&D equipment projects with tight budget and aggressive schedule as needed; where applicable, be responsible for equipment procurement and interface with internal customers and equipment vendors.
• Comply with Company’s Environmental, Quality, Safety or other enforced policies.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Sr Manager - Process Development or Senior Member of the Technical Staff.
• May have direct reports.

Travel

• Up to 10% domestic or international.

Estimated Salary Range

• $104,910 - $149,500 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). The condition of employment and continued employment for those requiring respirator use may require little or no facial hair.

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.