Engineer- Manufacturing Systems II USA (1st Shift)

First Solar Inc.; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Gaffney, SC seeks an Engineer- Manufacturing Systems II on 1st shift to lead rollout and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems across the site.

You will partner with shift managers and support teams to standardize processes, drive PDCA cycles, ensure ISO 9000 compliance, and deliver safety, quality and productivity gains. Travel up to 10% and participation in plant start-up trainings may be required; a Bachelor's or higher in Engineering or physical sciences is

Qualifications

• 2+ years in First Solar manufacturing leadership roles preferred
• Minimum 3 years of relevant manufacturing experience required
• Experience driving continuous improvement projects in operation excellence
• Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering or Physical Science or equivalent
• Degree in Manufacturing System preferred

Responsibilities

• Introduce new manufacturing systems and enhance existing ones for safety, quality, and productivity
• Design, deliver, and maintain manufacturing systems meeting ISO 9000 requirements
• Collaborate with Shift Managers and supporting departments to improve systems and processes
• Record data and analyze information to drive system improvements
• Proliferate established systems across shifts and plants
• Identify opportunities to improve systems and recommend changes
• Document and archive implemented systems for future reference

Skills

Leadership

Communications

Organizational skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Team oriented

PDCA cycle

Microsoft Office

Education

Engineering or Physical Science degree

Manufacturing Systems degree preferred

Tools

PDCA cycle

Microsoft Office

Job description

Engineer- Manufacturing Systems II USA (1st Shift)

Gaffney, SC, United States

Trending

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

Responsible for introducing new manufacturing systems and enhancing the existing manufacturing system (Safety, Quality, Controls, and Cost) for the shift operation to ensure standardization across all Perrysburg, OH plants.

Education/Experience:

• At least 2 years of First Solar manufacturing leadership experience (such as Technical Supervisor, Manufacturing Specialist, Operations Engineer) preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant manufacturing experience required.
• Good record in driving continuous improvement projects in operation excellence.
• Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.
• Degree in Manufacturing System preferred.
• Behavioral:
  • Possesses strong leadership skills.
  • Demonstrates excellent communications skills.
  • Possesses excellent organizational and project management skills.
  • Demonstrates strong analytical and strategic thinking.
  • Possesses proven interpersonal skills.
  • Team oriented.
• Technical:
  • Well-versed in the manufacturing process flow.
  • Knowledgeable of the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
  • Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Develops new or improves existing manufacturing systems for sustainability for the manufacturing Coating, Sub-module, Finishing, and Boxing operations.
• Designs, delivers, and maintains manufacturing system and process to meet ISO 9000 requirement for the Perrysburg Site.
• Works closely with the Shift Managers, Supervisors, and relevant supporting departments to improve the manufacturing systems and process.
• Performs close loop checks on the existing Manufacturing systems (safety, quality, productivity, NPI, and controls) assessing effectiveness and practicality.
• Plans and recommends suitable manufacturing systems to be introduced to the manufacturing facility.
• Ensures that all existing manufacturing systems are standardized across all 4 shifts and enhanced to all plants within First Solar Facilities.
• Records data and analyzes information pertaining to manufacturing systems for improvements or proliferation.
• Undertakes the proliferation of established manufacturing systems in terms of safety, quality, productivity, and controls for the existing shifts.
• Identifies opportunities to improve the existing manufacturing systems and to make the necessary recommendations to the manufacturing department for changes.
• Ensures that all manufacturing systems implemented are documented properly and archived for future reference or usage.
• Performs research of relevant industry manufacturing systems to recommend suitable systems for implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to theManager - Operations Integration.
• This position may have direct reports.

Travel:

• Up to 10% of global travel is expected.
• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $56,100 - $80,000,, Annually

US Physical Requirements:

• Manufacturing & Maintenance Physical Requirements:
• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as 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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1023167
• Job Category Plant Operations Integration
• Posting Date 01/12/2026, 04:01 PM
• Locations 121 Logistics Drive, Gaffney, SC, 29341, US
• Apply Before 08/21/2026, 04:00 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Work Schedule M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(United States of America)