Technician- Reli &Test Eng II USA

First Solar; Alabama; On-site; USD 31,684 - 45,460; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an Engineering Technician II to support reliability lab and field test operations, performing module testing to ensure IEC/UL compliance and warranty performance. You will analyze data using JMP/SQL, assist Reliability Engineers, troubleshoot equipment, and document test results while working with minimal supervision.

The role requires a technical degree with 2–4 years of experience, calibration/measurement expertise, and the ability to lead/participate in improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree with relevant manufacturing/lab experience.
• Calibration and measurement experience required.
• Experience with reliability test methods is desirable.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate results.

Responsibilities

• Work independently with minimal supervision on reliability tests.
• Support reliability engineers on improvement projects.
• Troubleshoot test equipment and resolve issues.
• Prepare summaries and maintain documentation for investigations.
• Perform data analysis using JMP and SQL.
• Ensure tests complete per schedule and record results.
• Train other technicians and participate in meetings as needed.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Team player

Problem solving

Independent work

Forklift operation

Documentation

English proficiency

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or technical discipline with 2+ years experience

Associate degree in electrical/technical discipline with 4+ years experience

Calibration/testing/measurement experience

Experience with reliability testing

Tools

JMP

SQL

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions

The Engineering Technician II is a key member of the First Solar Team responsible for completing the day-to-day reliability operations related module testing and module qualifications in a safe manner to ensure the product meets IEC and UL Standards, performance and warranty commitments without failure. The primary role of the Engineering Technician II is to support Reliability Engineers with multi-task assignments related to Reliability Lab and Field/Outdoor Test operations. This role requires the ability to run intermediate data analysis using statistical methods and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The Engineering Test Technician shall have the ability to identify and/or implement test and measurement system improvements that increase test throughput and equipment performance. Troubleshoot day-to-day reliability test equipment and priority issues. Assist with worldwide equipment and test method replication and Standard Test Qualifications methods.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (Electrical preferred) with minimum 2 years work experience in a manufacturing or lab environment OR
• Associate Degree or equivalent in a technical discipline (Electrical preferred) with minimum 4 years working experience in a manufacturing or lab environment.
• Calibration/testing/measurement experience is required.
• Experience in Industry Standardize Testing & Qualification Desired

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Able to work independently with less supervision.
• Able to lead projects and meet deadlines with less supervision.
• Responsible to support Engineer on any improvement project either on the product or testing equipments.
• Responsible to for solving day-to-day equipment issues.
• Able to prepare and update intermediate summary reports for reliability investigations and reliability test metrics.
• Responsible to Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, work instructions, equipment tag out lock out and equipment specs.
• Assist with worldwide equipment and test method replication.
• Responsible to ensure that all the reliability tests are complete as per the schedule including sample acquiring, testing, & data entry.
• Able to perform intermediate data analysis using JMP and SQL application.
• Responsible to communicate immediately any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipments.
• Willing to work on long hours and weekends to support any testing or measurements including call in.
• Responsible to train new technicians in module testing, equipment operation, handling and troubleshooting and repair techniques.
• Responsible to perform any baseline or post test measurement whenever needed.
• Able to participate in Durability & Stability meetings and presentation of data may be required (as and when needed).
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Responsible to assist in any other task or job assign by supervisor.
• Consistently demonstrates efficient and effective methods to deliver quality test results.
• Perform calibration and maintain metrology records.
• Identify durability/stability and equipment defects and issues and complete failure analysis and result interpretation with minimal guidance (Level 3 failure analysis and troubleshooting).

Required Skills

• Proven communications skills and attention to detail.
• Proven basic data analysis skills.
• Average to excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, SQL).
• Good team player.
• Excellent ability to use tools and operating equipment is required (micrometers, multi-meters, power supplies and data logger).
• Possess intermediate to advanced knowledge of JMP and SQL application.
• Good leadership skill is required.
• Ability to operate a fork lift is required.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Excellent communication skills with all levels.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Self-directed, proactive approach to problem solving.

Pay Range

• $23.37-$32.69 hourly

Physical Requirements

• Will sit and stand periodically during the day.
• Required to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Will walk and climb stairs.
• Will reach over shoulder heights and below waist.
• Required to use hands to lift, handle, carry or feel.
• May be required to kneel, bend, talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities are required.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors during hot and cold weather
• All associates working at a First Solar manufacturing or R&D facility may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires 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.