Engineer- Manufacturing II USA (Thermal)

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer the role most applicable to the candidate’s experience and skillset. The Manufacturing Engineer II develops, improves, and documents robust solar-module manufacturing processes to achieve high product performance cost-effectively. The role works with development teams to incorporate manufacturing requirements into new process development, designs and executes experiments to establish process windows, and addresses day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems. The position evaluates, installs, and qualifies equipment; collects and analyzes data on equipment and product performance; and reports experimental results. It also supports gauge setup and maintenance, process control and preventive maintenance planning, standard operating procedures, drawings, and process specifications. The engineer communicates with production associates, other engineers, and supplier representatives; trains and mentors colleagues; and leads continuous-improvement activities using Six Sigma and statistical problem-solving methods. The role works with minimal supervision, follows safety and housekeeping standards, and may require domestic and international travel.

Requirements

One of the following education and experience combinations: an associate degree in a technical discipline and either 2 years as a First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, 3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, or 2 years of engineering experience plus 6 years of technical experience in manufacturing; a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and either 2 years as a First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I, 3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, or 2 years of engineering experience plus 3 years of technical experience in manufacturing; a master’s degree in a technical discipline and 2–4 years of engineering experience in manufacturing; or a Ph.D. in a technical discipline and 0–3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing.
Proficiency in statistical data analysis.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in metrology and measurement best practices.
Proficiency in writing complete manufacturing documentation.
Ability to understand and apply Design of Experiments.
Knowledge of a structured problem-solving method such as DMAIC.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
Ability to train operators, technicians, and new engineers.
Ability to work autonomously to achieve goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator when required; respirator use requires little or no facial hair.
Ability to meet the stated vision requirement of 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.

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.
Proficiency in applying Robust Engineering principles to develop and implement processes.

Responsibilities

Install and qualify new process equipment.
Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line, including equipment downtime, yield, and quality issues, and 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 development teams 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 and associated product performance.
Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
Communicate effectively 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 activities using Six Sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods.
Mentor 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.
Continuously improve conveyance and robotic systems to maintain steady production flow.
Adhere to safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
Travel domestically and internationally as required.