Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

First Solar; Kansas; On-site; USD 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to enhance production processes and equipment. This role involves troubleshooting daily manufacturing issues, installing new equipment, and developing process documentation. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of statistical data analysis. You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that values diversity and inclusion, with responsibilities that include training staff and improving yields. If you're passionate about engineering and looking to make a significant impact, this role could be perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of technical work experience in manufacturing required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with relevant experience.
• Certifications can substitute for degrees.

Responsibilities

• Resolve production, equipment, and process issues daily.
• Install and qualify new equipment and maintain gauges.
• Train technicians and improve product performance.

Skills

Statistical Data Analysis

Problem-solving

Metrology and measurement best practices

Strong communication

Creating manufacturing documentation

Knowledge of DOE, SPC, DMAIC

Basic electrical/electronics skills

Basic mechanical skills

Experience with Vacuum Deposition

Experience with Laser

Experience with Robotics

PLC programming

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering

Bachelor’s in engineering

Master’s in engineering

Ph.D. in engineering

Journeyman certification

Job description

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

The Manufacturing Engineer will install and qualify new process equipment, troubleshoot daily manufacturing issues, and identify system improvements to enhance throughput, yield, and product performance.

Education/Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Associate’s Degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline plus:
• 3+ years of First Solar technical experience, or
• 6+ years of technical work experience in manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in engineering or a related field with no experience required; relevant experience is preferred.
• Certifications and experience can substitute for degrees, demonstrating skills in peer training and data analysis:
• 3+ years as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III, or Equipment Coordinator III, or
• Journeyman certification in a relevant discipline plus 5+ years industry experience, or
• 10+ years of highly skilled technician experience, with industry-recognized certification preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

Mandatory Skills

• Understanding and applying Statistical Data Analysis
• Problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of metrology and measurement best practices
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to create manufacturing documentation

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of DOE, SPC, DMAIC
• Ability to work independently
• Basic electrical/electronics and mechanical skills
• Experience with process areas like Vacuum Deposition, Laser, Robotics, PLC programming, etc.

Responsibilities

• Resolve production, equipment, and process issues daily
• Install and qualify new equipment
• Maintain gauges and develop process experiments
• Analyze data, report results, and interface with internal and external partners
• Train technicians and production staff
• Improve yields and product performance
• Develop and maintain process documentation and control plans
• Follow safety procedures and maintain cleanliness
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Details

This position may have direct reports and requires domestic and international travel. Salary range is $67,400 - $96,000.

Physical requirements include sitting, standing, lifting up to 27 pounds, vision standards, and the ability to wear PPE, including respirators.

Employment Conditions

Candidates must pass background checks and other assessments. The role adheres to First Solar's equal opportunity employment policy, valuing diversity and inclusion.