Engineer- Equipment I USA (1st Shift)

First Solar; United States; Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is seeking a technical leader for its maintenance team. The ideal candidate will manage engineering aspects, streamline maintenance processes, and improve equipment availability. Candidates should possess an engineering degree or relevant experience in manufacturing, with skills in data analysis and team training. This role offers a competitive salary range of $61,000 to $87,000 annually, with relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of First Solar technical experience or 6+ years in manufacturing.
• Skills in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis.
• Experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance team and manage engineering aspects.
• Maintain PM records and relevant data.
• Monitor long-term equipment downtime issues.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Knowledge of Engineering Principles

Knowledge of Manufacturing processes

Problem-Solving Tools knowledge

CMMS software knowledge

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering or technical discipline

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

IBM/MRO Maximo

Job description

Job Description

The work location for this position is to be determined and will be communicated at the time of offer. Candidates must be willing to relocate to any First Solar location. Relocation assistance may be provided where applicable.

Basic Job Functions

• Provide technical and professional leadership to the maintenance team and manage the engineering aspect of the maintenance process.
• Use necessary engineering tools and programs to drive improvements and rate the effectiveness of repair works.
• Maintain preventive maintenance (PM) records and other pertinent data that is deemed necessary to do a complete job.
• Publish information that has been reviewed, in a report format, on a routine basis.
• Work on cross functional teams to improve throughput.
• Streamline and improve PMs to continuously improve the availability of equipment.
• Maintain the stock of relevant spare parts.

Education / Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with:
  • 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or
  • 6 or more years of technical work experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.
• The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements. In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis:
  • 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III
  • Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level
  • 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry‑recognized certification strongly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, communication and organizational skills.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Knowledge of Engineering Principles and Practices.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing processes.
• Good knowledge of Problem‑Solving Tools such as 7 Steps and DMAIC (6Sigma).
• Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software, preferably with IBM/MRO Maximo.

Essential Responsibilities

• Arrange, participate and implement PM‑Planning.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance work instructions, equipment specifications, equipment trouble‑shooting BKM and good manufacturing OPL.
• Continuously improve spare part availability.
• Provide training where applicable to the maintenance team.
• Responsible to monitor long‑term equipment downtime issues and assist or lead with resolution.
• Responsible for interfacing with other cross‑functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• This position could have direct reports.

Travel

• Domestic and international travel as required.
• If hired during plant start‑up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Salary Range

• 61,000 – 87,000, Annually

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 both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green 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, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

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.