Program Manager- Technology III USA

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 91,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives within our Research and Development arena in Perrysburg, Ohio. You will independently develop CCPM project plans and coordinate with Technology, Product Management, Manufacturing, and other departments to deliver high-impact programs.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in program management and R&D, with MS Project experience and PMP/PgMP considered.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Engineering or related technical field required
• MS Degree in Engineering preferred
• MBA considered if tech experience
• 5-7 years' experience in Program Management
• 5-7 years' experience in R&D environment preferred (NEW PROD/PROCESS)
• 5-7 years' experience using MS Project or equivalent tools
• PMP or PgMP certification preferred
• Capable of managing 3–5 projects simultaneously
• Strong scheduling and project coordination skills

Responsibilities

• Provide program management for complex cross-functional programs in R&D
• Develop CCPM project plans and timelines
• Interface with Technology, Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality and Reliability, Supply Chain, Finance, EHS
• Drive projects to on-time, on-budget delivery
• Lead multi-department coordination and risk mitigation
• Prepare and lead program review meetings and status updates
• Maintain project infrastructure and documentation

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Agile / CCPM awareness

Risk management

Education

BS in Engineering or related field

Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering background

MS in Engineering, preferred

MBA with tech experience considered

Tools

MS Project

Concerto

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

Provides Program Management for complex cross-functional programs within the Research and Development arena. Independently develops CCPM project plans, interfaces with Technology, Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality and Reliability, Supply Chain, Finance, Environmental Health and Safety, and other departments as required.

Education/Experience:

• BS Degree in Engineering or related technical field, required
• BS degree Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, preferred
• MS Degree in Engineering Discipline, preferred
• MBA will be considered, but must have technology experience
• 5-7 years' experience in Program Management
• 5 years' experience in Research and Development environment preferred. Ideally in the area of New Product / Process (development through roll out to high volume manufacturing) and change management of existing technologies and products
• 5-7 years' experience using MS Project or equivalent project management tools
• PMP or PgMP certification, preferred
• 3 years TOC/CCPM Program Management experience, preferred
• Demonstrated project management skills in a technology development environment
• Intermediate understanding of Quality and Reliability requirements to bring new products or processes to manufacturing
• Intermediate to Advanced negotiation skills to obtain cooperation and commitment to project deliverables
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in all aspects of project planning and execution
• Intermediate proficiency in project management software - MS Project, Concerto an advantage
• Capable of providing program management of 3 to 5 projects simultaneously
• Communicates clearly, oral and written, across the organization
• Strong assertive characteristics to push projects through to completion
• Partners with stakeholders to coordinate resources, activities, and priorities for rapid project completion
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to assertively motivate project participants
• Independently builds project plans around existing technology project portfolio
• Takes ownership for overall project schedule; Drives projects to completion on-time and on-budget
• Builds interfaces between organizations to ensure successful hand-offs
• Negotiate project goals and develop mitigation plans
• Manage program review meetings, track action items, and motivate program stakeholders
• Maintain software infrastructure to keep project plans and action items up to date

Required Skills/Competencies:

Essential Responsibilities:

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

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Director, Program Management
• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Annual Salary Range:

• $91,000 - $130,000 Estimated Annual Salary

US 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.