Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

First Solar (US)•Perrysburg, OH

1d•$68,800 - $98,000•Hybrid

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. This role involves designing, installing, and qualifying new automation/process equipment. The engineer will troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner, addressing tool down issues, yield, and quality problems, and identifying actions to prevent recurrence. The position also requires identifying and/or implementing system improvements to achieve throughput, yield, and product performance goals.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline combined with 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, OR 6 or more years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting.
Bachelor’s Degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred.
The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements: 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III; OR Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level; OR 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis.
Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis.
Understands and can apply structured problem solving (fishbone, five why, DMAIC, SBAR).
Demonstrated proficiency with mechanical / automation equipment troubleshooting.
Good oral and written communications skills.
Ability to write manufacturing documentation.
Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.

Nice To Haves

Process simulation software experience.
Understands and can apply DOE.
Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
General Electrical & PLC Controls knowledge.
Previous automated material handling and/or metrology equipment experience required.
Project Lead / Project Manager disciplines preferred.
Machine / Robotic Automation experience (AGVs, Pick & Place, Collaborative Robots).
Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by (identifying and/or contributing to improvements in specific processes, systems, or workflows).
Apply Kaizen principles by (participating in, leading, or supporting improvement initiatives, events, or problem-solving activities).
Exhibits a learning mindset by (seeking opportunities to expand knowledge, develop skills, and stay current in relevant areas).
Leverages technology, including AI and automation tools, too (enhance efficiency, decision-making, analysis, or operational outcomes as applicable to the role).
Shows curiosity and adaptability by (responding to change, adopting new tools/processes, or supporting innovation initiatives).

Responsibilities

Manage small to medium-sized capital equipment projects.
Provide concept/layout/design details for automation & material handling processes.
Process simulation modeling for existing & future production lines.
Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
Install and qualify new equipment.
Maintain MH Metrology / Sensors / Cameras.
Design and execute planned process experiments, collect, and analyze data and report experimental results.
Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects.
Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
Develop and provide training for engineering technicians, and production associates.
Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.
Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
Develop and maintain process control plans.
Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
Other duties as assigned.