Technician- Manufacturing Engineer II (D Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar, Inc.; Walbridge (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Manufacturing Engineering Technician to troubleshoot daily issues, optimize yield, and maintain process controls on the production line. The role requires safety discipline, hands-on electrical/mechanical skills, and the ability to analyze data with SPC tools.

You will set up gauges, train production staff, and collaborate with suppliers to implement improvements. Expect a 5–10% travel footprint and on-site work in Ohio.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with related manufacturing experience.
• Associate degree with specified First Solar experience or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with limited experience.

Responsibilities

• Solve day-to-day production, equipment and process problems.
• Identify yield and product performance improvements and analyze causes to excursions.
• Set up and maintain gauges.
• Ensure processes run per Process Control Plan.
• Respond to SPC alarms to restore control.
• Execute planned process experiments and report results.
• Collect data on daily tool and product performance.
• Provide training to production associates.
• Develop and update drawings, SOPs and process specs.
• Interface with internal and supplier teams to complete projects.
• Understand area processes, equipment and support systems.
• Maintain safety and housekeeping; dispose waste properly.
• Assist with laser system alignment and scribe parameters.
• Follow PM procedures and complete PMs on lasers.
• Run daily measurements on Microvu and adjust lasers as needed.
• Monitor production lasers; serve as contact for laser issues.
• Other duties as assigned; job description may change.

Skills

Safety mindset

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

SPC alarms

Self-directed

Statistical tools

English communications

Administrative tasks

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent with 1 year experience...

Associate's degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year...

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline with 0-2-year technical experience

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• * Assist in the installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.

Education/Experience:

• * High School Diploma or equivalent with 1 year experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 3 years First Solar Technical experience or 10 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• * Associate's degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• * Bachelor's degree in technical discipline with 0-2-year technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• * Safety first mindset.
• * Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving on the manufacturing line.
• * Demonstrated proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
• * Demonstrated proficiency in responding to SPC alarms to bring processes back in control.
• * Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
• * Able to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
• * Good written and oral communications skills in English.
• * Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.

Essential Responsibilities:

• * Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• * Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements. Develop methods to assign causes to yield excursions.
• * Set up and maintain gauges.
• * Ensure all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.
• * Respond to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.
• * Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results.
• * Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.
• * Provide training to production associates.
• * Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
• * Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• * Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• * Provide training to production associates.
• * Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
• * Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP).
• * Adherent to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• * Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
• * Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
• * Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
• * Assist with critical process alignment of laser systems and scribe parameters.
• * Follow PM procedures for all laser systems and assure completion of PM's when due.
• * Run daily measurement routines on "Microvu" optical comparator and implement accurate changes to lasers as necessary.
• * Continuously monitor production line lasers to ensure product quality. Act as point of contact for production personnel with regards to laser issues.
• * Other duties as assigned.
• * Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• * This position will not have direct reports.
• * This position reports to the Lead- Technical Group or Engineer- Manufacturing.

Travel:

5%-10%

US Physical Requirements:

• * Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• * Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• * Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• * Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• * Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• * Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• * Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• * 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
• * May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• * May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• * Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• * Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

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 our company.