Application Engineering Manager USA

First Solar (US)•Perrysburg, OH

136d

About The Position

The Manager – Application Engineering role at First Solar is critical for driving technical excellence, product integration, and market expansion. This position demands strong leadership, deep technical expertise, and a strategic approach to developing and maintaining global partnerships. The role will provide technical leadership and management of First Solar’s BOS and EPC interests while managing the team’s support of strategic, commercial and technical objectives. This role will also influence product roadmaps, define product value positioning, promote technical transparency, and support the sale of technically sophisticated solutions at module and system levels globally. The Manager of Application Engineering is responsible for integrating First Solar products into the solar industry ecosystem and developing solutions to enhance current and future product offerings. The role serves as the primary technical authority on MBOS, EBOS, and EPC technical and commercial optimization of First Solar products. The Manager will manage the Application Engineering team, ensuring technical understanding of First Solar products in global markets to inform product and business strategy. This role will support troubleshooting, cost estimating, and maximize product competitiveness through technical economic optimizations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field.
5+ years professional experience in PV Module/Systems/Project Development.
5+ years professional experience in renewables, utility, or construction-related fields.
5+ years of customer-facing experience (PV Module/Systems experience strongly preferred).
Demonstrated knowledge of module product design, energy prediction, PV systems, and project construction.
Expertise in Solar module technology, and industry trends thereof.
Expertise in building codes, risk mapping and governing requirements of solar products.
Strong knowledge of design and activities for construction projects, EPC means and methods, and detailed understanding in Balance of System components (structures, wiring harnesses, and inverters).
Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects in parallel.
Proven leadership skills with a history of managing a team of engineers.
Excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
Proven cross-functional collaboration experience.
Strong leadership skills with a history of managing engineering teams.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to simplify complex technical arguments for diverse audiences.
Proficiency in cost estimation for procurement and construction of PV power plants.
Familiarity with industry practices in active markets.
Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, and PV energy simulation software.
Willingness to travel up to 50%, including international travel.

Nice To Haves

Masters/MBA in Engineering or related field (optional).

Responsibilities

Lead a team of engineers to maximize competitiveness in presales negotiations and optimize project execution. Direct supervision of regional application engineering resources.
Provide technical application support for module and balance of system design and support. Contributes strategic insight to development and refinement of new market developments, technological advances and adjacent product roadmaps. Maintain and grow ecosystem relationships to support current and future products globally.
Build strong relationships with leading solar EBOS, MBOS, and EPC firms to enable cost-effective installations and rapid adoption of First Solar products. Lead cost estimating and BOS activities.
Develop technical solutions that mitigate risk, create value, and benefit First Solar and its partners in new and existing markets.
Integrate regional customer feedback into product and system requirements, contributing to product advances and roadmaps. Provide technical trade show support and onsite customer/partner visit support.
Engage with customer technical and commercial staff throughout the sales cycle and post-sales to facilitate product adoption and maximize value.
Drive the development of new ecosystem solutions to enhance the competitiveness of First Solar products.
Develop and distribute technical collateral for internal and external training, supporting new product launches, market entries, and customer acquisition.
Assist with technical presentations and critical product feature development to support new business opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.