Development Engineering Technician I - A Crew/Day Crew

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an Engineering Test Support role to aid DE testing on the manufacturing line or in the lab. The candidate will interpret instructions into experiments, troubleshoot tool/process issues, and analyze test data to drive improvements.

Requirements include a technical degree or equivalent experience, ability to operate sputter tools and manage vacuum systems, and proficiency in MS Office with basic SQL/JMP knowledge.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4 years relevant technical experience or 2 years as an 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 an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering without prior technical work experience.
• Ability to operate sputter tools and perform target changes including minor troubleshooting and maintenance enabling proper operation of sputter tools.
• Ability to understand basic tool operations, especially vacuum system in sputtering process.
• Ability to use respirator and perform tool maintenance including target changing and maintenance on other tool components.
• 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 and Kaizen involvement.
• Leverages technology including AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and analysis.
• Shows curiosity and adaptability to change and innovates.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on the production line, coupon line or laboratory.
• Work under minimal supervision with oversight by Development Engineer or Manager.
• Troubleshoot tool/process issues and suggest improvements to achieve performance goals.
• Compile and analyze test data from performed testing.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, quality and company policies.
• Communicate with associates at all levels regularly.

Skills

Sputter tool operation

Vacuum system knowledge

PPE usage

MS Office

SQL/JMP basics

Experiment execution

Interpersonal communication

Continuous improvement

AI & automation awareness

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

High school + 4 yrs exp

Associate’s in engineering + 2 yrs exp

Bachelor’s in engineering

Tools

Sputter tools maintenance

Vacuum system operation

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Functions

• Support DE tests in the manufacturing line or perform testing in lab environment.
• 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.

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.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Ability to operate Sputter tools and perform target changing including minor troubleshooting and overall maintenance enabling proper operation of sputter tools.

• Ability to understand basic tool operations, especially vacuum system in sputtering process.

• Ability to use respirator and perform tool maintenance including target changing and maintenance on other tool components.

• 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).

• Exhibits a learning mindset by (seeking opportunities to expand knowledge, develop skills, and stay current in relevant areas).

• Leverages technology, including AI and automation tools, to (enhance efficiency, decision-making, analysis, or operational outcomes as applicable to the role).

• Shows curiosity and adaptability by (responding to change, adopting new tools/processes, or supporting innovation initiatives).

• Apply some technical skills to the position. May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position.
• Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Able to resolve many questions and problems independently.
• Has ownership within his/her functional group of a particular operational process or equipment. Oversee maintenance and trains others in this process.
• Plan, coordinate and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on the production line, coupon line or laboratory, including coordination across team boundaries.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.

• Other duties as assigned.

• description subject to change at any time.

Essential Responsibilities

Reporting Relationships

• This position reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel

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

Estimated Salary Range

• $18.89 - $26.44 hourly

Work Schedule

• 12-hour shift between 6am-6pm
• 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 3 days off

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.

• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.

• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.

• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.

• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.

• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.

• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.

• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.

• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.

• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as 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.