Engineer- Manufacturing II USA (Thermal)

First Solar (US)•Perrysburg, OH

10h

About The Position

First Solar is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II in the Thermal area. The company reserves the right to offer a role that is most applicable to the candidate’s experience and skillset. The position develops, improves, and documents robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve product performance goals cost-effectively. It supports new process development, establishes manufacturing process windows through experiments, and solves day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems. The engineer evaluates, installs, and qualifies equipment; collects and analyzes equipment and product performance data; develops manufacturing documentation, process specifications, drawings, operating procedures, control plans, and preventive maintenance plans; and provides training and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and production associates. The role works with internal associates and supplier representatives, champions continuous improvement using statistical and Six Sigma problem-solving methods, works with minimal supervision, follows safety and housekeeping standards, and may require domestic and international travel.

Requirements

Associate degree in a technical discipline plus either 2 years of experience as a First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, 3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 2 years of engineering experience and 6 years of technical experience in a manufacturing setting; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in a technical discipline plus either 2 years of experience as a First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, 3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 2 years of engineering experience and 3 years of technical experience in a manufacturing setting; alternatively, an MS degree in a technical discipline and 2–4 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting; or a PhD in a technical discipline and 0–3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
Demonstrated proficiency in statistical data analysis.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in metrology and measurement best practices.
Demonstrated proficiency in writing complete manufacturing documentation.
Understanding of and ability to apply Design of Experiments.
Knowledge of structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC.
Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
Demonstrated ability to train operators, technicians, and new engineers.
Ability to work autonomously to achieve goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to continuously improve conveyance and robotic systems to maintain steady production flow.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including sitting, standing, or walking for up to the duration of a shift; occasional stair climbing and lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 27 pounds; frequent use of hands and reaching above shoulder height or below the waist; and occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending.
20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction.
Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator when required. Respirator use requires little or no facial hair.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of PLC automation and robot programming.
Knowledge of general electronics.
Knowledge of general mechanical systems.
Knowledge of robotic and conveyor systems.
Demonstrated proficiency in applying Robust Engineering principles to develop and implement processes.

Responsibilities

Install and qualify new process equipment and troubleshoot manufacturing issues, including equipment downtime, yield, and quality problems; identify actions to prevent recurrence.
Identify and implement system improvements that support throughput, yield, and product performance goals.
Develop, continuously improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
Work with the development team to incorporate manufacturing requirements into new process development.
Design and execute experiments to establish manufacturing process windows; collect and analyze data and report results.
Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
Collect data on daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
Set up new gauges and perform gauge maintenance.
Develop and provide training to engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates.
Champion continuous improvement using Six Sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods.
Provide mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
Develop process control plans and preventive maintenance plans.
Develop and maintain drawings and process specifications, and develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
Adhere to safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
Travel domestically and internationally as required.