Engineer- Manufacturing Principal USA

LED FastStart; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Process Engineer to lead improvements in solar module manufacturing. In this role, you will be responsible for developing robust manufacturing processes, managing technical teams, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve technical challenges. Your expertise in statistical analysis and problem-solving will be key in driving process enhancements and ensuring product performance. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence local operations while contributing to innovative projects in the renewable energy sector. If you are passionate about engineering and sustainability, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in process engineering or R&D in manufacturing.
• Fluent in statistical analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Experience in photovoltaics manufacturing and technology development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve solar module manufacturing processes.
• Lead investigations into process issues and evaluate new equipment.
• Manage technical staff and drive decisions at the local level.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Manufacturing Processes Knowledge

Statistical Analysis

Problem-Solving Skills

Data Analysis Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of ISO 9000 Standards

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering or Physical Science

Tools

JMP

Minitab

MS Office Suite

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

Lead process or equipment improvement under the oversight of respective Area Manager or Sr. Managers to meet Manufacturing P90 metrics. Manage and lead group of engineers and/or technicians either directly or through the course of a project/assignment. Work with stakeholders like Development Engineering, Global Supply Chain or Quality & Reliability to resolve technical problems and develop robust manufacturing processes. Initiate and lead complex equipment or process changes following CMS stage-gate process and work with Global Alignment Team counterparts to successfully replicate the changes.

Education/Experience:

• >8 years process engineering and/or R&D experience in a manufacturing environment; will usually have a broad engineering and technology background.
• Fluent with statistical analysis methods and tools and structured problem solving; Adept at analyzing big data-sets using tools like JMP or Minitab.
• Experience in Photovoltaics Manufacturing Flow or Technology Development experience in the broad fields of Thin Film Vacuum Deposition, Glass Therm-Mechanical Processing, Module Packaging and Structural Development, Semiconductor Processes, Electrical Device Integration.
• Good familiarity with Materials Analysis methods like optical and x-ray spectroscopy, microscopy and electrical characterization to be able to leverage the same in troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams including goal-setting and performance management.
• Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstration of leadership skills in small teams in a localized environment. This typically involves experience directly supervising a small team of engineers and technicians.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Processes.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering Techniques and Practices.
• Knowledge of ISO 9000 standards and SPC tools.
• Robust Engineering, Six Sigma.
• Able to lead creation of and improvements to PFMEA.
• Proven quality skills.
• Proven technical problem-solving skills.
• Possess excellent data analysis and collection skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office suite and statistical software.
• Written and oral communication skills with ability to create presentations suitable for sharing with executive and C-level staff.
• Demonstrated expertise in driving projects through Change Management systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering test/experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
• Perform in-depth investigations into process issues.
• Evaluate new proposed equipment according to process standards.
• Reviews process experiment proposals and subsequent results.
• Defines and implements corrective/preventive actions and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Lead mainly local task forces and project teams.
• Able to influence up to director level globally.
• Work cross-functionally and drive decisions mainly at the local level.
• Directly and indirectly manage a technical staff up to and including senior engineer level.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit and stand periodically during the day.
• Required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Will walk and climb stairs and on equipment.
• Will reach over shoulder heights and below waist.
• Required to use hands to lift, handle, carry or feel.
• May be required to kneel, bend, talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities are required.
• Domestic and International travel as required.

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.