Associate Development Engineer USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Will conduct scientific and engineering experiments, including sample fabrication and testing in a fast-paced manufacturing and R&D environment. Will compile and analyze data and review results with engineering personnel to improve efficiency, reliability, and stability of solar modules.
• Will be required to interpret experimental results, write experimental reports, present results clearly and concisely in team meetings, and maintain detailed experimental records.
• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments. (Good multitasking skills is required)
• Will conduct Accelerated Life Testing and failure analysis of key components and test structures
• May develop new test equipment and test structures.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associates 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.
• Bachelors Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Masters Degree in in engineering, physics, chemistry, electronics, materials science or similar technical discipline without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Skills, knowledge, and experience in three or more of the following areas: physics, chemistry, materials science, electronics, computer programming, mechanics, data analysis and statistics.
• Experience working in a laboratory and conducting scientific measurements & experiments.
• Experience with developing or assembling new testing equipment and test structures.
• Experience with basic electronics and electronic measurement equipment.
• Exposure to Accelerated Life Testing (reliability) equipment, test methods and test structures.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, reliability, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Apply established methods for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments.
• May contribute to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May contribute to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
• Effective team member that can support cross functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Works under minimal supervision. May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training lower level employees.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer.
• May have direct reports.

Travel:

• Limited ( Estimated Salary Range:
  • $61,000 -$87,000 Annually

  US Physical Requirements:

  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
  • All associates working on the production floor 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.