Scientist- Data and Modeler IV USA

First Solar; Kentucky; On-site; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Kentucky is seeking an experienced data scientist to lead analytics and data science initiatives across manufacturing. You will guide cross-functional teams, integrate equipment, process, and device insights, and develop ML solutions aligned with enterprise goals.

The role requires strong Python experience, ML framework usage, and the ability to deploy solutions in IT/OT environments. Domestic and international travel may be required, and CMS/process improvements are valued.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large, complex projects with measurable impact.
• Broad expertise in data ecosystems from extraction to orchestration within an MES.
• Ability to combine analytics software with IT/OT to solve manufacturing problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and document enhancements to manufacturing automation systems.
• Define specs for new automation hardware and software.
• Evaluate, install, and qualify new automation systems.
• Lead CMS projects for new automation processes in the factory.
• Identify priorities and implement best solutions with flawless execution.
• Lead cross-functional teams across sites.
• Champion continuous improvement using Six Sigma and statistical methods.
• Provide mentorship and project oversight for junior engineers.

Skills

Project management

MES data ecosystem

Analytics software

Technical leadership

New knowledge transfer

Python machine learning

ML solutions deployment

Image classification / CV

Large data sets / statistics

APIs / containerization

Git / CI/CD

CMS process

Technical presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III, or 9 years Engineering experience in a technical setting

MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 7 years engineering experience in a technical setting

PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 5 years’ experience in a technical setting

Tools

JMP

SAS

R

APIs

Job description

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

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

• Lead projects, both cross functionally and cross site. Provide technical advice regarding analytics and data science. Integrate knowledge of Equipment, Process and/or Device to solve the most challenging problems and identify improvements. Bring new knowledge of emerging technologies into the organization and develop technical skill sets within the team. Work with IT, MES architects and controls engineers to ensure solutions integrate seamlessly with the FS hardware and software systems to support enterprise goals. Implement new processes to meet schedule, leading troubleshooting efforts as needed to meet project requirements. Provide technical presentations.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III, or 9 years Engineering experience in a technical setting
• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 7 years engineering experience in a technical setting or
• PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years as First Solar Data Scientist III or 5 years’ experience in a technical setting

Required Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrated Project management / Leadership of large complex projects
• Broad expertise in data ecosystems including extraction, manipulation, modeling and orchestration within an MES ecosystem and excellent understanding of how all processes integrate
• Demonstrated ability to combine knowledge of analytics software, IT/OT environments to develop solutions for manufacturing process and equipment
• Demonstrated technical leadership of teams across multiple functions and factories
• Demonstrated ability to bring new knowledge to the organization
• Demonstrated experience in programming with Python and utilizing machine learning frameworks, including but not limited to PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Hugging Face libraries
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with image classification, object detection, and computer vision modeling
• Experience manipulating large data sets through statistical software (ex. JMP, SAS, R) or other methods
• Proficiency working with APIs and using containerization of analytical solutions with integration and management within IT/OT ecosystem
• Proficiency in version control using tools like Git and experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools.
• Demonstrated expertise to effectively move projects through CMS process efficiently and effectively
• Excellent Technical Presentation Skills

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document improvements to manufacturing automation systems
• Develop specifications towards new automation hardware and software.
• Evaluate, Install and Qualify new automation systems.
• Define qualification plan and lead CMS projects for new automation processes in the factory.
• Identifies improvement priorities, provides assessment of solution options, recommendation of best solution and implements flawlessly
• Lead Complex Project or Technical Teams cross functionally or cross site
• Champion continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods
• Provide mentorship and project oversight to assist in the development of junior engineers
• Identify training needs and develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates
• Responsible to interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
• Maintain effective communication with production associates, manufacturing engineers, IT, MES and controls engineers
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Manager of Manufacturing Engineering Data Science
• May have direct reports

Travel

• Domestic and International travel as required
• Choose an item.

Estimated Salary Range

• $112,300-$159,650.00

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 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on an occasional basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, 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 an occasional 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).

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 this company.