Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling I (Finishing)
About The Position
The Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling I develops, scales up, and transfers new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes, which may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser processes, module packaging, lamination, and electrical testing. The role qualifies and sustains process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment and helps troubleshoot and improve safety, throughput, yield, and performance. The engineer uses structured problem-solving and statistical methods to identify and implement improvements; collaborates with cross-functional teams on problem solving and technology scaling; and mines and visualizes process and equipment data using tools such as SQL, Python, JMP, and PowerBI. The role also develops and documents robust solar module manufacturing processes, serves as a subject-matter expert for assigned process or equipment sets, designs and executes experiments, and works with equipment OEMs to evaluate, install, and qualify tools. The position includes mentoring junior engineers and technicians, providing technical training to operational teams, developing process control and troubleshooting documentation, and maintaining effective communication across teams and with leadership. The role may have direct reports and requires 10%–20% travel. The job description may change at any time.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline and 12 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Master’s degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Ph.D. in engineering or a similar technical discipline, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Prior experience in a semiconductor or PV R&D or manufacturing setting in at least one of the listed areas: thin-film deposition; thermal processing in the semiconductor or glass industry; wet coatings; automation; laser processing; or process/device integration.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in one or more areas including thin-film deposition (PVD, ALD, CVD), thermal processing, wet coatings (ink-jet, spray, roll-coating), laser processing, and metrology.
- Hands-on experience in mechanical and process troubleshooting.
- Hands-on experience executing experiments in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
- Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional global teams.
- Strong organizational skills and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
- Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Must meet the stated physical requirements, including vision of 20/40 in both eyes together with or without correction and ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
- Candidates receiving an employment offer must successfully complete a background check and any other required tests.
Responsibilities
- Adhere to safety procedures and protocols and contribute to EHS and quality improvements.
- Develop, improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for assigned process or equipment sets.
- Design and execute process experiments, then analyze and present results.
- Work with equipment OEMs to evaluate, install, and qualify tools.
- Execute continuous improvement plans using Six Sigma methodologies.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical training to operational teams.
- Develop Process Control Plans, FMEAs, Work Instructions, and Troubleshooting Guides.
- Maintain effective cross-functional communication, including with leadership.
- Develop, scale up, and transfer new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes.
- Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
- Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve safety, throughput, yield, and performance benchmarks.
- Apply structured problem-solving and statistical methods to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on problem solving and technology scaling.
- Mine and visualize process and equipment data using tools such as SQL, Python, JMP, and PowerBI.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
