Senior Development Equipment Technician

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

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Development Engineer Technician II level candidate to assist in installation and qualification of R&D equipment. You will troubleshoot, perform maintenance, and lead training to improve throughput and product performance on the R&D line.

The role requires strong electrical/mechanical knowledge, hands-on problem solving, and the ability to work shifts including weekends. Travel up to 10% may be involved.

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 technical discipline with 10 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or similar discipline with 5 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Strongly preferred: >4 years as a mechanical or electrical technician as a primary job function.
• Strongly preferred: >4 years working on vacuum deposition tools or robotic automation systems.
• Experience supporting a high-uptime production line, including off-shift coverage.

Responsibilities

• Assist in installation and qualification of RnD equipment.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day RnD process and equipment issues.
• Perform maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Identify and implement system improvements for throughput, yield, product performance.
• Lead training and upskilling of peers and technicians.
• Solve day-to-day production and equipment problems.
• On-site service and repair of equipment.
• Ensure processes run according to the Process Control Plan.
• Provide handoffs and documentation at shift end.
• Participate in weekend on-call rotation for emergencies.

Skills

Safety mindset

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Windows basics

Shift work

Equipment maintenance

Vacuum tools

Robot automation experience

Lockout/Tagout familiarity

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree in engineering

Bachelor's Degree in engineering

4+ years technician experience

Tools

Vacuum Deposition tools

Robotic automation systems

Job description

First Solar, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Development Engineer Technician II level candidate to assist in installation and qualification of R&D equipment. You will troubleshoot, perform maintenance, and lead training to improve throughput and product performance on the R&D line.

The role requires strong electrical/mechanical knowledge, hands-on problem solving, and the ability to work shifts including weekends. Travel up to 10% may be involved.