Engineer- Manufacturing II USA

First Solar, Inc.; Gaffney (SC); Hybrid; USD 80,700 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a Process Integration Engineer to develop and sustain product performance for key manufacturing metrics such as yield, module efficiency, reliability, durability, and cost.

The role focuses on creating production metrologies for device characterization and process control. You will lead cross-functional teams in technology transfer and ramp activities across sites, design statistical experiments, analyze results, and drive improvements using DOE and JMP.

Qualifications

• Background in semiconductor, PV or electronic process tech and device physics.
• Experience with device characterization techniques for manufacturing.
• Proficient in statistical data analysis and DOE.
• Experience in high-volume ramp or tech transfer.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities to meet goals.
• Design statistical experiments and analyze results to optimize metrics.
• Lead cross-functional relationships for timely communication.
• Provide engineering support for high-volume manufacturing across departments.
• Analyze data to drive process improvements.
• Ensure safety and environmental procedures compliance.
• Lead vendor discussions for improvements.

Skills

Semiconductor process

Device characterization

DOE

Statistical data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

FMEA/SPC

Project management

Communication skills

Thin film deposition

Manufacturing systems

JMP software

Education

Associate's degree in technical discipline

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline

MS Degree in technical discipline

PhD Degree in technical discipline

Tools

JMP

Job description

Basic Job Functions:

Primary accountability of the Process Integration Engineer is to develop and sustain the product performance for key manufacturing metrics (Yield, Module Efficiency, Reliability and Durability, Cost), and develop production metrologies for device characterization and process control.

Education/Experience:

• Associate's degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in desired areas, or 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years technical experience in desired areas or
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in desired areas or 2 years Engineering experience and 3 years technical experience in desired areas or
• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2-4 years Engineering experience in desired areas or
• PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years Engineering experience in desired areas.

Desired Areas - One or more of the following:

Process Development, Integration, Process Engineering, Manufacturing System, Product and Yield Engineering.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Background in Semiconductor, PV or electronic process technology, characterization, and device physics.
• Competency in multiple device characterization techniques and ability to transfer these techniques to for use in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Statistical Data Analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Experience in high volume ramp and/or new tech transfer is desired.
• Experience leading cross functional technical teams to solve problems and implement new processes and products.
• Prior experience with thin film deposition, thermal and wet processing preferred.
• Understanding of manufacturing engineering systems (FMEA, SPC) and structured problem-solving methods (such as DMAIC).
• Understanding and ability to apply process characterization and robust engineering principles.
• Strong track record of effective problem-solving, and root-cause analysis.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Experience using statistical software (JMP preferred).
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Participate/lead in technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities from development site to meet yield, reliability, cost, and device performance goals.
• Design statistical experiments and analyze results to characterize key process metrics and optimize process modules.
• Take leadership role to establish relationships between departments and satellite sites to ensure timely communication and effective problem solving.
• Provide engineering support for high volume manufacturing across multiple engineering departments in a global organization, working with international teams in cross functional environment.
• Analyze data using sound statistical methodology to drive improvements and recommendations to operations of process engineering.
• Understanding of and ability to interpret the results from physical and electrical failure analytical techniques and various compositional analysis measurements.
• Ability to identify and implement creative solutions.
• Ensure adherence to all safety/environmental procedures.
• Responsible for all equipment within the stated area which includes configuration control, maintenance documents, and training.
• Will lead vendor discussions as needed for improvement projects, and issue resolution.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Manager, Manufacturing Engineering- Finishing
• May 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:

• $80,700 - $115,000, Annually

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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.

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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 band 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.