Development Engineer Technician I

First Solar Inc.; Perrysburg, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Perrysburg, Ohio, is seeking an Engineering Test Support II to perform routine quality checks on products moving through the production line, support DE tests, and translate engineering instructions into actionable results.

The role emphasizes learning calibration and preventive maintenance of lab equipment, contributing to continuous improvement, and documenting outcomes with accuracy while adhering to safety, quality, and environmental policies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 4 years relevant technical experience or 2 years as Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.
• Associate’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline with 2 years relevant technical experience or 1 year as Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

Responsibilities

• Applies engineering or science skills and may develop advanced skills using tools and equipment.
• Duties and tasks are mostly recurring. Resolves routine questions and problems and refers more complex issues to higher levels.
• May have oversight over certain areas/processes affecting the group.
• Be able to analyze work environment and make suggestions for continuous improvement for enhanced productivity, safety, or performance.
• Work under daily supervision. Follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Comply 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.

Skills

Sample testing

Semiconductor device fabrication

Electrical measurements

Optical measurements

MS Office

SQL/JMP

Communication

Continuous improvement

Kaizen

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent (4 years experience or 2 years as Engineering Test Support II)

Associate’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline (2 years experience or 1 year as Engineering Test Support II)

Job description

Basic Job Functions:

• Perform routine quality checks on products moving through the production line while completing all required safety checklists and operational logs to ensure continuous, compliant workflow across shifts.
• Support DE tests in the production line or perform testing.
• Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
• May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals.
• May compile and analyze test data from performed testing.

• Support operation and maintenance of vacuum deposition tools.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

• Associate’s degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements.
• Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of lab and process equipment and systems.
• Intermediate knowledge in MS Office and some knowledge of SQL/JMP.
• Execute experiments efficiently and effectively with high fidelity.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by (identifying and/or contributing to improvements in specific processes, systems, or workflows).
• Apply Kaizen principles by (participating in, leading, or supporting improvement initiatives, events, or problem-solving activities).
• Shows curiosity and adaptability by (responding to change, adopting new tools/processes, or supporting innovation initiatives).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Applies engineering or science skills and may develop advanced skills using tools and equipment.
• Duties and tasks are mostly recurring. Resolves routine questions and problems and refers more complex issues to higher levels.
• May have oversight over certain areas/processes affecting the group.
• Be able to analyze work environment and make suggestions for continuous improvement for enhanced productivity, safety, or performance.
• Work under daily supervision. Follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Comply 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

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel.

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $18.89 - $26.44/hourly

Work Schedule:

• M-F between 8am-4:30pm

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 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)

• 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)

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.