Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling II (Automation)

First Solar Inc.; Ohio; On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking an engineering professional to develop, scale and transfer novel thin-film manufacturing processes across vacuum deposition, wet coatings, laser processing, and module packaging.

The role emphasizes 24x7 manufacturing readiness and continuous improvement through structured problem-solving. The ideal candidate has degrees in engineering and extensive hands-on experience in semiconductor or PV R&D/mfg settings, with strong data analytics capabilities using SQL, Python,

Qualifications

• Experience in thin film deposition (PVD/ALD/CVD), thermal processing, wet coatings, laser processing, and metrology.
• Hands-on mechanical and process troubleshooting experience.
• Hands-on experiments in lab or manufacturing settings.
• Strong communication across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional global teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ownership of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety procedures and contribute to quality improvements.
• Develop and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
• Serve as SME for assigned process/equipment sets.
• Design and execute process experiments; analyze results.
• Work with OEMs; evaluate, install, and qualify tools.
• Execute continuous improvement plans using Six Sigma methods.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical training to teams.
• Develop Process Control Plans, FMEAs, Work Instructions, and Troubleshooting Guides.
• Maintain cross-functional communication including leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Thin film deposition

Thermal processing

Wet coatings

Laser processing

Metrology

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

DOE/SPC

SQL

Python

JMP

PowerBI

Education

Associate’s Degree in engineering or technical discipline

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or technical discipline

Master’s Degree in engineering

Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

SQL

Python

JMP

PowerBI

Job description

Job Description

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

• Develop, scale-up, and transfer of new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes that may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser process and module packaging, lamination and electrical testing processes.
• Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
• Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
• Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for problem solving and technology scaling.
• Datamine and Visualize process and equipment data using industry standard tools like SQL, Python, JMP, PowerBI.

Job Description

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

• Develop, scale-up, and transfer of new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes that may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser process and module packaging, lamination and electrical testing processes.
• Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
• Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
• Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for problem solving and technology scaling.
• Datamine and Visualize process and equipment data using industry standard tools like SQL, Python, JMP, PowerBI.

Basic Job Functions

• Develop, scale-up, and transfer of new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes that may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser process and module packaging, lamination and electrical testing processes.
• Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
• Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
• Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for problem solving and technology scaling.
• Datamine and Visualize process and equipment data using industry standard tools like SQL, Python, JMP, PowerBI.

Education/Experience

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 12 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
• Prior experience in a Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting in one or more of the following areas Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing in semiconductor or glass industry (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is required.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in one or more areas including thin film deposition (PVD, ALD, CVD), thermal processing, wet coatings (ink-jet, spray, roll-coating), laser processing, and metrology.
• Demonstrated Hands-On experience in Mechanical and Process troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated Hands-On experience executing experiments in laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional global teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ownership of assigned responsibilities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety procedures, protocols and contribute to EHS/Quality improvements.
• Develop, improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for process or equipment sets assigned.
• Design and execute process experiments; analyze and present results.
• Work with equipment OEMs; evaluate, install, and qualify tools.
• Execute continuous improvement plans using Six Sigma methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical training to operational teams.
• Develop Process Control Plans, FMEAs, Work Instructions, and Troubleshooting Guides.
• Maintain effective cross-functional communication including leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Manager or Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Technology Scaling.
• May have direct reports.

Travel

• 10% - 20%

Estimated Salary Range

• $80,700-$115,000 Annually.

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.

Office Physical Requirements

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship. 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.