Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

First Solar Inc.; Perrysburg, Northern (OH, KY); On-site; USD 69,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking an experienced Manufacturing/Automation Engineer to design, install, and qualify new automation equipment for the production line in Perrysburg, OH.

The role emphasizes data analysis, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams. Qualifications include engineering/technical degrees with several years of manufacturing experience; alternative certifications may substitute for degree requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires an engineering/technical degree with 3+ years First Solar experience or 6+ years manufacturing experience.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in engineering with no experience required; work experience preferred.
• Certifications or experience can replace degree requirements if demonstrated in mentorship and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and qualify new automation/process equipment.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line.
• Identify actions to prevent repeat issues and improve throughput/yield/performance.
• Maintain drawings, process specs, SOPs, and process control plans.
• Develop training for engineering technicians and production staff.
• Interface with internal and supplier personnel; travel as required.
• Maintain MH Metrology/Sensors/Cameras and report results.
• Ensure safety, housekeeping, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Statistical data analysis

Structured problem solving

Troubleshooting automation

Communication skills

Manufacturing documentation

FMEAs

Process simulation

DOE

SPC

Electrical & PLC knowledge

Metrology equipment

Project leadership

Robot automation

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering or technical discipline with 3+ years First Solar experience or 6+ years manufacturing experience

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in engineering with no experience required

Certifications/experience in lieu of degree (training/mentorship and data analysis)

Tools

Process simulation software

Electrical & PLC controls

Metrology equipment

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Design, install, and qualify new automation/process equipment.Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner.These include tool down issues, yield, quality issues and identify actions to prevent repeat issues. Identify and/or implement 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.
• Required Skills:
  • Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis.
  • Understands and can apply structured problem solving (fishbone, five why, DMAIC).
  • Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical / automation equipment troubleshooting.
  • Good oral and written communications skills.
  • Ability to write manufacturing documentation.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Process simulation software experience.
  • Understands and can apply DOE.
  • Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • General Electrical & PLC Controls knowledge.
  • Previous automated material handling and/or metrology equipment experience required.
  • Project Lead / Project Manager disciplines preferred.
  • Machine / Robotic Automation experience (AGVs, Pick & Place, Collaborative Robots).
• Manage small to medium size capital equipment projects.
• Process simulation modeling for existing & future production lines.
• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Maintain MH Metrology / Sensors / Cameras.
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect, and analyze data and report experimental results.
• Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects.
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates.
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Develop and maintain process control plans.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Domestic and International travel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Manager- Manufacturing Engineering (Material Handling).

Travel:

• Domestic and international travel as required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800-$ 98,000 Annually.

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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1024121
• Job Category Plant MFG Engineering
• Locations 28101 Cedar Park Blvd, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, US
• Job Schedule Full time
• Work Schedule M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(United States of America)