Development Engineering Technician III

First Solar (US)•Perrysburg, OH

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports Development Engineering (DE) tests, either on the manufacturing line or in a lab environment. The technician will use expert knowledge and advanced technical skills to interpret instructions, perform actions, and analyze experimental outcomes. Responsibilities include monitoring the daily production of Photovoltaic modules, coupons, and/or E-plates on the pilot line, ensuring quality standards and cost-efficiency. The role also involves driving tool-level troubleshooting, identifying root causes for standard process issues, and implementing improvements to achieve performance goals.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent and 14 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 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
Bachelor’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.
Proficient in a wide array of tools/processes/procedures with the ability to train others, develop best practices, and identify safety risks.
Effective communication, including daily Pass downs.
Proven decision-making skills.
Excellent organizational and planning skills.
Experienced in independently resolving moderate process/equipment issues on the production line or the lab.
Skilled in MS Office and intermediate skills in SQL and JMP.
Expert in execution of experiments in lab or floor. May train others.
Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
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).

Responsibilities

Support DE tests in manufacturing line or perform testing in lab environment.
Use Expert knowledge and advanced technical skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
Monitors the daily production of Photovoltaic modules, coupons and/or E-plates in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost-efficient manner on the pilot line.
Drive tool level troubleshooting and standard process issues to conclusion and identify root cause.
Can identify and implement operation and tool system improvements to achieve performance goals.
Applies advanced technical skills to the position. Possesses specialized abilities and capable of data analysis to determine conclusions and next steps.
Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Resolved most questions and problems and refers to the most complex issues to a higher level.
Has ownership within his/her functional group of a particular operational process or equipment. Oversees maintenance and trains others in this process.
Plan, coordinate and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on production line, coupon line or laboratory, including coordination across team boundaries.
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.
Effectively interfaces with other departments.
Participate in continuous improvement activities/teams.
Effective use of internal development engineering software for tracking pilot line production.
Other duties as assigned.