R&D Equipment Specialist (Tech III)

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Santa Clara, CA is seeking an experienced equipment technician to support R&D tool installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and process improvement on a day-to-day basis.

The role requires strong electrical/mechanical knowledge, hands-on troubleshooting, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. The position includes weekend on-call rotations and OT as needed for tool support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 14 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associate’s Degree in engineering or similar with 10 years of relevant experience or 2 years as DET II at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or similar with 5 years of relevant experience or 2 years as DET II at First Solar.
• Strongly preferred: >4 years as mechanical or electrical technician; experience with vacuum deposition tools or robotic automation; uptime support experience on production lines.

Responsibilities

• Solves day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Performs on-site service and repair of equipment.
• Implements throughput, uptime, yield, and product performance improvements.
• Sets up gauges, flow meters, and auxiliary equipment.
• Maintains safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Takes part in weekend on-call rotation for tool support.

Skills

Safety mindset

Electrical & mechanical knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Windows apps (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Self-directed

Clear communication

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in engineering

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Vacuum deposition tools (PVD)

Robotic automation systems

PLC/HMI diagnostics

Allen-Bradley/Siemens/Beckhoff PLCs

Job description

First Solar in Santa Clara, CA is seeking an experienced equipment technician to support R&D tool installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and process improvement on a day-to-day basis.

The role requires strong electrical/mechanical knowledge, hands-on troubleshooting, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. The position includes weekend on-call rotations and OT as needed for tool support.