Engineer- Manufacturing Principal USA

First Solar, Inc.; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a senior process engineer to lead improvements in solar module manufacturing. You will supervise engineers and technicians, collaborate with Development Engineering and Quality, and drive robust processes that meet P90 metrics.

You will use statistics, PFMEA, and problem-solving to implement complex equipment or process changes, coordinating with global teams to replicate success.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in engineering or physical science with advanced experience in manufacturing or R&D.
• Proven leadership of small teams and execution of process improvements.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and familiarity with PFMEA and SPC tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
• Lead investigations into process issues and evaluate new equipment.
• Define corrective actions and drive continuous improvement; manage local task forces.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Six Sigma

PFMEA

Problem solving

MS Office

Statistical software

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering or Physical Science

8+ years process eng/R&D in manufacturing

Tools

JMP

Minitab

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:

• Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.
• >>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 datasets 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

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.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.
• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $112,300 - $160,000

US 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.

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.