Senior Global Controls Engineer

First Solar, Inc.; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 99,600 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. seeks a senior controls engineer to lead global electrical controls system design and deployment. You'll mentor engineers, coordinate start‑ups, and optimize control architectures across multiple facilities worldwide.

Responsibilities include programming PLCs and HMIs, developing data‑driven toolings, and ensuring safety and compliance while coordinating with vendors and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; or equivalent years of work experience.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing equipment controls engineering experience.
• Experience with global facilities in NA, Asia, and Europe is required.
• Proficiency in programming for Rockwell Automation PLCs (Logix) including ladder and function block diagrams.
• Experience in HMI programming (PanelView Plus, PanelView Plus CE, and Reviews SE).
• Designing and commissioning control networks (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, Ethernet).
• Experience with robotic systems, motion controls, and CNC/drive systems.
• Cognex vision camera configuration and programming experience.
• SQL Server database configuration experience.
• Proficient in software development using C#, VB.NET, HTML, XML, and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Provide global support for manufacturing facilities and coordinate new equipment installation and implementation.
• Write and maintain programs using plant equipment data within the SQL database.
• Maintain and update global electrical drawings and ensure changes are documented.
• Design and implement manufacturing control systems adhering to corporate standards.
• Troubleshoot equipment controls and formulate policy/standard improvements.
• Mentor Controls Engineers worldwide and foster knowledge transfer.
• Interface with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure standards compliance.
• Assist with electrical designs for FMCS and main building power feeds globally.
• Lead design, coding, testing, and documentation of large‑scale control programs.
• Develop safety plans, perform hazard analyses, and ensure IEC 61508 compliance.
• Plan system and acceptance testing, oversee execution and integrity.

Skills

Controls engineering

Troubleshooting

Global manufacturing

AutoCAD

Rockwell PLC programming

HMI programming

Control networks

Robotic systems

Motion controls

Cognex vision

SQL/Database

C# and SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

AutoDesk AutoCAD

Job description

First Solar, Inc. seeks a senior controls engineer to lead global electrical controls system design and deployment. You'll mentor engineers, coordinate start‑ups, and optimize control architectures across multiple facilities worldwide.

Responsibilities include programming PLCs and HMIs, developing data‑driven toolings, and ensuring safety and compliance while coordinating with vendors and internal teams.