Solar Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Basic Job Functions:

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world's energy mix. 

Education/Experience:

• Technical Disciplines / Degree in one of the following fields - Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Chemical, Materials Science or Applied Physics. 
• Associates Degree in a technical discipline with:
  • 2 years' experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or
  • 4-6 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 
  • 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with:
  • 0-2 years' experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or
  • 2-3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
  • 2 years Engineering experience and 4 years technical experience in a manufacturing setting or 
• MS Degree in a technical discipline with 1-2 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
• Minimum 3-5 years of working experience in Manufacturing Operations or Engineering role in a high-tech industry (Photovoltaic or Semiconductor or PCBA) or a Technology based High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) environment is preferred.
• Experience in Project Management with prior engagement in New Process or Technology transfer in manufacturing environment.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft project, excel and PowerPoint.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Behavioral:

• Possess good leadership skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Good analytical and strategic thinking
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• A moderate degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Ensure adherence to all First Solar processes and procedures, including safety, housekeeping etc.
• May require some degree of traveling as needed to facilitate New Process transfer.

TECHNICAL:

• Proven organizational skills - ability to prioritize.
• Strong knowledge of basic Engineering techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of MS Office software (strong knowledge of Microsoft Project/PowerPoint/Excel required).
• Understanding of Underwriters Laboratory (UL), ISO 9000/14000 & OSHAS 18000 standards/procedures (experience preferred).

DECISION MAKING:

• Select, evaluate, and develop qualification plan objectives with minimal supervision required.
• Prioritize tasks consistent with achieving overall Organizational/Department metrics and goals.
• Implement planning decisions based on team consensus to weighted scorecard.
• Able to functionally serve as a delegate for their direct manager with moderate guidance.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Ability to assess, define and solve complex supplier and material procurement issues with minimal supervision.
• Apply appropriate benchmarks, data analysis, and risk management techniques to solve problems.
• Ability to contribute & influence team-based initiatives and contribute to the development of mutually beneficial solutions.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

• Understands and demonstrates intermediate project management skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to close projects on time with a minimal level of supervision. 
• Demonstrated experience writing test plans, analyzing/reporting data, and documenting results and conclusions based on plans and data.

INTERACTION: 

• Relationships with Cross Functional teams are maintained and improved with excellent communication.
• Contributes and influences the cooperative efforts among members of a project team. 
• Frequently interacts with functional peers and negotiates support and production time with Engineering/Manufacturing groups.
• Interaction normally requires the ability to gain cooperation from others, conduct presentations concerning specific projects, objectives, and schedules to functional Managers/Directors within various organizational levels.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Leading manufacturing readiness planning and execution to support new technology and process changes in DNM site. The scope covers DNM Site (6 plants).
• Primary owner responsible to Plan & Co-ordinate with Manufacturing Operation to mobilize Manufacturing Resources to support New Process change during Product Qualification and Manufacturing Qualification test run execution.
• Primary owner responsible for Influence, Translate and Organize New technology and Process change Manning Layout (where required) with Manufacturing Operation team to support New Process change ETA & Implementation phases.
• Primary owner responsible to Co-ordinate Manufacturing Operation Resources to complete Training modules as per identified and required in support of New Process Change timely ahead of change execution. Develop New Process change training schedules and interface with Manufacturing Operation to ensure training delivery completion prior to New Process change Implementation.
• Primary Owner responsible for managing ETA physical inventory staging at the designated Engineering on Hold Kanban area. Interface with New Process Program Team and Manufacturing Operation to approve and manage ETA Bin release (Handshake with Finishing/Boxing Supervisor on physical ETA Bin module release).
• Primary Owner responsible for Document & Update DNM WIP Transfer Configuration and Mobilization Strategy during New Process change ETA/Qualification runs.
• Primary Owner responsible for Coordinating with Manufacturing Operation to manage NCP physical inventory (as required) and staging related to New Process change execution.
• Responsible to organize and schedule New Process change Training & Certification execution with DNM Operation Training Department to achieve training completion prior to New Process change execution.
• Actively participate and interact with New Process Program Team to provide Manufacturing Operational Feedbacks/Inputs/Training Needs during both planning & execution stages.
• Maintain effective communication at cross functions/levels and foster teamwork to achieve New Process change objectives and milestones.
• Primary owner to drive manufacturing operation FMEA and capacity validation for NPI/process changes.

Job Complexity

• Works on projects and issues of moderate complexity where analysis of situation or data requires evaluation of a variety of factors, including an understanding of current departmental needs.
• Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods/techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Develops and administers project plan schedules and performance requirements with minimal supervision.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. 
• Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives.

Travel:

Estimated Salary Range:

US Physical Requirements:

• Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.
• Will sit or stand for long periods of time throughout the day.
• Required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Will walk and climb stairs.
• Will reach over shoulder heights and below waist.
• Required to use hands to lift, handle, carry or feel.
• May be required to kneel, bend, talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities are required.

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.      

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.