Senior Development Engineer Technician III – R&D Equipment

First Solar Inc.

Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY)

Hybrid

USD 54,000 - 81,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking a skilled technician to assist in installing and qualifying R&D equipment, troubleshoot daily process issues, and perform maintenance and repair to maximize throughput and product performance.

The role includes leading training for peers, supporting a high-uptime production line, and working 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. PT with weekend on‑call rotation. Strong mechanical/electrical and diagnostic skills are required.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and 14 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
Strongly preferred: Extensive experience (>4 years) as a mechanical or electrical technician as a primary job function.
Strongly preferred: Extensive experience (>4 years) working on vacuum deposition tools (PVD, ALD), or (robotic based) automation system.
Strongly preferred: Experience supporting a high-uptime production line, including off-shift or shift-based coverage.

Responsibilities

Solves day‑to‑day production, equipment, and process problems.
Performs on‑site service and repair of equipment.
Identifies and implements throughput, uptime, yield and product performance improvements.
Accomplishes daily assignments as scheduled and as directed.
Develops methods to assign causes to yield excursions.
Sets up and maintains gauges, flow meters, and auxiliary equipment.
Ensures all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.
Responds to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.
Collects data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.
Transitions new equipment and processes through start‑up, qualification, and implementation.
May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training other employees.
Interfaces with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
Develops a complete understanding of processes, equipment, and support systems.
Maintains effective communication with all team members
Adheres to safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on assigned toolsets.
Troubleshoots equipment control faults using electrical schematics, ladder logic, and sequence‑of‑operation documentation.
Maintains preventive maintenance schedules, spare parts readiness, and equipment logbooks.
Provides equipment coverage during assigned shift hours and weekend on‑call; documents events for day‑team follow‑up.
Works the assigned shift, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time, at the California Technology Center (CTC) in Santa Clara, CA; hours may change.
Participates in equipment team's weekend on‑call rotation, providing tool support when emergencies arise.
Supports overtime and additional coverage as required for tool installations, planned maintenance windows, and unplanned downtime; completes handoff at shift end.