Product Manager- Digital Transformation II USA

First Solar, Inc.; Walbridge (OH); On-site; USD 84,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar seeks an experienced Product Manager with 6+ years in IoT and AI within manufacturing to lead the development of IoT-enabled AI products that optimize operations and reduce costs. You will own the product roadmap, collaborate with engineering, data science, and marketing teams, and translate technical insights into business value.

Ideal candidates have strong knowledge of cloud platforms, ML frameworks, and data security, and can operate in a fast-paced, globally distributed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. An MBA is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub) for large-scale data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies for product development.
• High School Degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for IoT and AI-driven solutions in manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, data science, marketing, sales, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless product development and delivery.
• Leverage AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, computer vision) to enhance manufacturing operations, such as predictive maintenance, quality control automation, and process optimization.
• Oversee the integration of IoT devices with cloud platforms to collect real-time data from manufacturing environments.
• Engage with customers to understand their pain points and requirements. Translate insights into actionable product features.
• Ensure that all IoT devices and AI systems comply with data security standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats to position the product effectively.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation through launch to post-launch performance tracking.

Skills

IoT architecture

AI technologies

Machine learning

Computer vision

Predictive analytics

Cross-functional leadership

Data security

Analytical thinking

Communication

Strategic skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS

Master's degree in Engineering/CS

MBA (plus)

High School degree + 8+ years experience

Tools

AWS IoT Core

Azure IoT

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

We are seeking an experienced Product Manager with 6+ years of experience in IoT (Internet of Things) and AI technologies, specifically within the manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of manufacturing operations and a proven track record of leveraging AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics to drive operational efficiency and innovation. This role will be responsible for leading the development and execution of IoT-enabled AI products that optimize manufacturing processes, improve productivity, and reduce operational costs.

Education/Experience:

• Required Qualifications

  1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields. An MBA is a plus.

  2. Experience working with cloud platforms (AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub) for large-scale data collection and analysis.

  3. Familiarity with agile methodologies for product development.

  4. High School Degree with 8 or more years of relevant experience.

• Key Technologies

  1. IoT Platforms (e.g., AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT)

  2. Machine Learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

  3. Cloud Computing

  4. Predictive Analytics

  5. Data Security Protocols

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Experience: 6+ years of product management experience with a focus on IoT solutions in the manufacturing industry. Experience with AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, or predictive analytics is essential.

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of IoT architecture (hardware, software, communication protocols) and AI technologies applied in manufacturing operations (e.g., predictive maintenance using ML models).

• Industry Knowledge: Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational challenges, and how IoT/AI can be applied to solve them.

• Leadership Skills

  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated successes in a product line leadership role

  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate alignment and results in a cross-functional, globally distributed environment

• Analytical Thinking: Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills to interpret complex data sets from IoT devices and AI models for decision-making.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for non-technical stakeholders.

• Strategic Skills: Product Strategy development balancing technology capabilities, profitability, customer value, and competitiveness

Essential Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap: Define and execute the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for IoT and AI-driven solutions in manufacturing operations.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, data science, marketing, sales, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless product development and delivery.

• AI Integration: Leverage AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, computer vision) to enhance manufacturing operations, such as predictive maintenance, quality control automation, and process optimization.

• IoT Ecosystem Management: Oversee the integration of IoT devices (sensors, actuators) with cloud platforms to collect real-time data from manufacturing environments.

• Customer-Centric Development: Engage with customers to understand their pain points and requirements. Translate these insights into actionable product features that address real-world challenges in manufacturing.

• Data Security & Compliance: Ensure that all IoT devices and AI systems comply with data security standards and regulatory requirements specific to the manufacturing industry.

• Market Research & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive threats. Use these insights to position the product effectively within the market.

• Lifecycle Management: Manage the entire product lifecycle from ideation through launch to post-launch performance tracking. Continuously iterate on product features based on customer feedback and market demand.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to the Manager of Product Management

• This is an Individual contributor position

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $84,200-120,000

US Physical Requirements:

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 are a driving force in the success of our company.