Associate Development Engineer - Laser

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

12d•Onsite

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. This role involves designing and executing tests and experiments to optimize laser processes, requiring a hands-on approach. The engineer will plan, organize, and execute experiments, summarize data, and present findings with conclusions and next steps. Responsibilities include troubleshooting machine issues, seeking process improvements for laser-based processes, and coordinating the installation of new equipment and upgrades. The role requires independent project ownership with weekly progress updates.

Requirements

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
Associate’s Degree in 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
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics 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
Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics or Instrumentation Engineering (preferred) without prior technical work experience
Ability to work with and train others on new projects, equipment and operation procedures
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, within strict deadlines while handling multiple tasks
Ability to take ownership of a problem and own the resolution
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suit programs
Experience with trouble shooting mechanical and electrical problems independently
Continuous improvement/learning
Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership
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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use)
Successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required

Nice To Haves

Experience with Python or C++ or LabVIEW
Experience with optical setups, solid-state lasers and familiarity with laser material interactions
Knowledge of at least one programming language and prior work or school projects demonstrating this competency
Experience with basic circuit design and components (resistors, inductors, diodes, capacitors)
Arduino, Raspberry Pi DYI project experience

Responsibilities

Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes
Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution
Summarize experimental data and provide monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions
Troubleshoot machine issues and seek process improvements to laser based processes
Coordinate installation of new equipment and upgrades to existing equipment into a development line
Own projects independently and provide weekly progress updates
Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development
Create and update equipment preventive maintenance, SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications and equipment trouble shooting
Interface with other cross functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create and implement equipment improvement projects
Other duties as assigned