Laser Development Engineer - Hands-on Optics & Automation

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg Township (OH); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. seeks a Development Engineer Technician to design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes. You will plan and run engineering experiments, summarize data, and present monthly next steps with conclusions.

You’ll troubleshoot equipment, coordinate installations, and own projects with weekly updates. The role requires hands-on lab work, experience with Python/C++/LabVIEW, and flexibility around tool downtimes or weekend work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associate's Degree in engineering or related discipline with 5 years of relevant experience, or 2 years as DET II at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics or related field with 1 year of relevant experience, or 1 year as DET II at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Physics or Instrumentation Engineering (preferred) without prior work experience.

Responsibilities

• Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance, SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications and fault diagnosis.
• Interface with cross-functional groups to identify, brainstorm, and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Other duties as assigned and evolve with business needs.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Skills

Train others on new projects

Fast-paced environment

Optical setups and laser experience

Ownership and problem resolution

Analytical and communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Programming knowledge

Troubleshooting mechanics/electrical

Continuous improvement mindset

Flexibility for install schedules

Detailed planning and ownership

Basic circuit design (Arduinos etc)

Education

High School Diploma or equiv + 10 yrs exp OR 2 yrs experience as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar

Associate's Degree in engineering or technical discipline + 5 yrs exp OR 2 yrs exp as DET II at First Solar

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics + 1 yr exp OR 1 yr as DET II at First Solar

Master's Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Physics or Instrumentation Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Python

C++

LabVIEW

Job description

First Solar, Inc. seeks a Development Engineer Technician to design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes. You will plan and run engineering experiments, summarize data, and present monthly next steps with conclusions.

You’ll troubleshoot equipment, coordinate installations, and own projects with weekly updates. The role requires hands-on lab work, experience with Python/C++/LabVIEW, and flexibility around tool downtimes or weekend work.