Engineer- Manufacturing II USA (Thermal)

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, optimize, and document high‑throughput solar module manufacturing processes. You will work on process improvements, equipment qualification, and data-driven problem solving to maintain top performance and yields.

The role requires strong statistics, DOEs, and communication skills; travel domestically and internationally may be required. This position emphasizes continuous improvement and collaboration with operations and development

Qualifications

• Education and experience requirements as listed: multiple pathways from associate to PhD with manufacturing experience.
• Experience in manufacturing settings and technical engineering roles is expected.
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical data analysis and design of experiments is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
• Design and execute experiments to establish process windows.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day production and equipment problems.
• Evaluate, install and qualify new equipment.
• Mentor Jr. engineers and technicians.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Problem solving

Metrology

Documentation writing

DOE understanding

DMAIC

Manufacturing processes

FMEA

Training others

Autonomy

Communication

Conveyance/robotics flow

PLC knowledge

Robot programming

Education

Associate degree in a technical discipline

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

MS in technical discipline

PhD in technical discipline

Tools

PLC automation

Robot programming

Job description

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

Install and qualify new 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 and Experience

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

Required Skills

• Demonstrated Proficiency in Statistical Data Analysis
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Demonstrated Proficiency Metrology and measurement best practices
• Demonstrated Proficiency in writing complete manufacturing documentation
• Understands and can apply Design of Experiments
• Structured Problem Solving Method (such as DMAIC)
• Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs
• Demonstrated capability to train operators, technicians, and new engineers
• Ability to work autonomously to achieve goals
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Continuous improvement of conveyance and robotic systems to maintain a steady flow of production.
• Knowledge of PLC automation and robot programming is a plus.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of General Electronics
• Knowledge in General Mechanical Systems
• Knowledge in Robotic and Conveyor Systems
• Demonstrated proficiency with applying Robust Engineering principles to develop and implementing processes.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop, continuously improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner
• Inject manufacturing requirements to new process development by working with development team
• Design and execute experiments to establish manufacturing process window
• Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
• Evaluate, Install and Qualify new equipment
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results
• Responsible for data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance
• Responsible to interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers
• Set up new gauges and perform Gauge maintenance
• Develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates
• Champion continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods
• Provide mentorship to Jr. engineers and Technicians
• Develop Process Control Plans and Preventive Maintenance Plans
• Works with minimal supervision
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Domestic and International travel as required
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures
• Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance

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 27 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 each eye, 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)
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)

Please note: 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, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) 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.