Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

First Solar Inc.; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will tackle day-to-day manufacturing challenges, ensuring optimal throughput and product performance. Your expertise in statistical analysis and problem-solving will be vital as you implement system improvements and train production staff. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment, contributing to the success of innovative manufacturing processes. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting or relevant technical discipline.
• Ability to train and mentor peers in technical skills.
• Experience with data analysis and problem-solving methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement system improvements.
• Install and qualify new process equipment.
• Develop training for production staff and technicians.

Skills

Statistical Data Analysis

Problem-solving skills

Metrology and measurement best practices

Oral and written communication skills

Manufacturing documentation writing

Education

Associate’s Degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Journeyman certification

Tools

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

DOE

DMAIC

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 as well as troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner. These include tool-down issues, yield, quality issues, and identifying actions to prevent repeat issues. Identifying and/or implementing system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals.

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 Degree, Master’s Degree, 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, or
  • Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level, or
  • 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred.

Manufacturing Engineer Required Skills:

• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Understands metrology and measurement best practices.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write manufacturing documentation.

Manufacturing Engineer Desired Skills:

• Understands and can apply DOE.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Understands and can apply structured problem-solving (such as DMAIC).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• General Electrical / Electronics knowledge.
• General Mechanical knowledge.
• Previous experience in process areas such as Vacuum Deposition, Thermal, Laser, Wetline, Automation, Adhesive, Welding, Material Handling, Robotics, Vision Systems, PLC Programming, among others.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report results.
• Perform data collection relating to equipment and product performance.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to complete projects.
• Maintain effective communication with production and engineering teams.
• Develop and provide training to technicians and production staff.
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, and SOPs.
• Develop and maintain process control plans.
• Adhere to safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned and subject to change.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position may have direct reports.

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required.

Salary Range:

• $67,400 - $96,000 per year.

Physical Requirements:

Will sit, stand, or walk short distances, climb stairs occasionally, lift up to 27 pounds occasionally, and perform other physical activities as described, including wearing PPE and possibly respirators.

All candidates must meet the physical and safety requirements to be eligible for employment.

Potential candidates must meet the education and experience requirements and pass background checks and other assessments.

Equal Opportunity Employer: First Solar values diversity and inclusion, recruiting without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Job Info

• Job Identification: 1021187
• Category: Plant MFG Engineering
• Posting Date: 05/05/2025
• Location: 28380 Tracy Road, Walbridge, OH, 43465, US
• Apply Before: 05/23/2025
• Degree Level: Associate Degree
• Schedule: Full time
• Work Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (US)