Engineer- Manufacturing II USA (Thermal)

First Solar, Inc.; Walbridge (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. seeks a Manufacturing Engineer I to develop and enhance solar module production processes in an on-site role in Ohio.

You will design experiments, qualify equipment, and guide technicians while collaborating with development teams to improve yield and throughput. Candidates should hold a technical degree with relevant manufacturing experience, demonstrate problem-solving and data-analysis skills, and contribute to documentation and training as part of continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Education and experience aligned with the listed degree paths.
• Strong evidence of data analysis, DOE, and process improvement.
• Experience with manufacturing documentation and PFMEA concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve robust solar module manufacturing processes.
• Inject manufacturing requirements to new process development.
• Design and execute experiments to establish process windows.
• Resolve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Evaluate and qualify new equipment for production use.
• Design and execute planned experiments, analyze data and report results.
• Collect daily equipment and product performance data.
• Coordinate with internal and supplier teams on projects.
• Maintain communications with production and engineering staff.
• Lead training for engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement using six-sigma and statistical methods.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Develop and enforce Process Control Plans and Preventive Maintenance.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills

Statistical Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Metrology

Manufacturing Documentation

Design of Experiments

DMAIC

Manufacturing Processes

FMEAs

Training Operators/Engineers

Autonomy

Communication Skills

Conveyance/Robotic Systems Continuous-

PLC Automation

General Electronics

General Mechanical Systems

Robotic/Conveyor Systems

Robust Engineering Principles

Education

Associate degree in a technical discipline

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

MS Degree in a technical discipline

PhD Degree in a technical discipline

Tools

PLC automation

Robot programming

Six Sigma

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 Manfuacturing Enigneer 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.