Engineer- Manufacturing III USA

First Solar; Trinity (AL); On-site; USD 68,800 - 98,050; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer based in Trinity, Alabama. The role involves installing and qualifying new equipment, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and improving system processes. Candidates should have an associate’s degree with relevant experience or a bachelor’s/master’s degree in engineering.

The ideal applicant will possess strong statistical analysis skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills. This position may require domestic and international travel as part of job responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience or 6+ years in manufacturing.
• Technical work experience combined with a relevant degree is preferred.
• Strongly preferred: Industry-recognized certification.

Responsibilities

• Solve production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Design and execute planned process experiments.

Skills

Statistical Data Analysis

Problem-solving skills

Metrology and measurement best practices

Oral and written communication

Manufacturing documentation writing

Education

Associate’s Degree in Engineering or similar discipline

Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Ph.D. in Engineering or similar discipline

Journeyman certification in relevant technical discipline

Job description

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 and quality issues, and identifying actions to prevent repeat issues. The engineer will identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals.

Education & Experience

• 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.
• Certifications and experience that can substitute for formal degree:
  • 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III
  • Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level
  • 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• 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.

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: Vacuum Deposition, Thermal, Laser, Wetline, Automation, Adhesive, Welding, Material Handling, Robotics, Vision Systems, PLC Programming, etc.

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for solving day‑to‑day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Install and qualify new equipment.
• Maintain gauges.
• Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report experimental results.
• Perform data collection related to daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required.
• 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 improvement.
• Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Develop and maintain process control plans.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

This position could have direct reports.

Travel

• Domestic and international travel as required.

Estimated Salary Range

$68,800 - $98,050

Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs occasionally.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds occasionally.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects frequently.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction is required.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist frequently.
• May stoop, kneel or bend occasionally.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment including 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).

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.