Development Engineer II - Wet Processing

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Perrysburg, OH is seeking a Development Engineer to advance thin-film solar cell research. You will design and run experiments, evaluate materials, and contribute to cost-reduction initiatives while collaborating with multiple teams.

The role requires strong analytical skills, ownership of project plans, and the ability to communicate results clearly. Opportunities to mentor junior staff and influence process improvements are available.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree with relevant experience per description.
• Strong experimental execution in lab or manufacturing.
• Ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Ownership mindset and detailed planning skills.
• Effective cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency through engineering and empirical methods.
• Plan, execute and characterize laboratory experiments and communicate results.
• Apply statistical methods to analyze data and optimize processes.
• Develop work plans with clear objectives and ownership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior associates.

Skills

Core area expert knowledge

Experiment execution

Data analysis

Ownership and planning

Cross-organizational communication

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

Master’s Degree in engineering

Ph.D. in engineering

Job description

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 laboratory experiments. Communicate results across organization. Accountable for experimental conclusions and recommendations.
• 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 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/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:

• This position will report to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel:

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

Estimated Salary Range:

• $80,700 - $115,000 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.