Manager- Laboratory

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Operation and maintenance of the Analytical and Chemical Testing Lab.
• Performs and supervises chemical analysis for quality monitoring and certification. Supports production, development engineering, quality and reliability, and waste streams.
• Develops new methods as appropriate.
• Characterization and analysis of materials: compositional and elemental analysis using traditional analytical chemistry methods including, but not limited to: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, EDX, qualitative and volumetric analysis, material characterization, DSC, TGA, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen analysis, UCET, GPC, GC-MS, optical microscopy and spectrophotometry.
• Generates analytical reports that include composition analysis, based on various methods on samples provided by internal customers. Provides reports for monthly activities.
• Establishes and manages interactions with outside vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization.
• Manages analytical lab activities, maintains equipment calibration, and manages equipment service contracts. Ensures quality and standards in reporting through proficiency benchmarking program.
• Manages lab personnel.
• Develops operating budget and manages to the plan.
• In charge of analytical lab equipment: operation, maintenance, measurements and analysis of data.
• Characterizes & evaluates specific materials, properties to drive improvements in device properties, ensure analysis of waste streams are within limits.
• Collaborates with engineers to help in achieving efficiency and stability improvements.
• Designs and executes experiments to understand & evaluate material, surface & interface properties.
• Provides data/analysis and recommendation to engineers & management.
• Negotiation/coordination of work with external vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization.
• Develops lab associates for strong bench strength and cross functional support.
• Provides technical assistance to other groups (Manufacturing Engineering, Development Engineering, Quality and Reliability, EH&S, Wastewater, and Recycling).
• Provides assistance to global labs to assure consistent quality operation globally.
• Interfaces with other company and supplier representatives as required.
• Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Manages the workflow of an analytical lab
• Researches concepts of the analysis of novel materials and translate into laboratory methods.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field required.
• Masters degree or PhD preferred.
• 10 years of experience in analytical laboratory management required.
• Experience in operation and maintenance of chemical lab equipment, preparation, standard chemistry measurement & analysis methods and development of analytical chemistry techniques of semiconductor material, process waste, and additional capabilities as required.
• Hands-on knowledge of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, EDX, GC, GPC, TGA, DSC, spectrophotometry, optical microscopy including data interpretation.
• Experience in installation/start-up of commercial/industrial chemistry lab equipment and other analytical tools is an advantage.
• Proven track record of writing comprehensive analytical reports.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to supervise analytical chemists.
• Trains others in chemical analysis.
• Functional expert in most of the analysis techniques used in the laboratory.
• Drives to understand and develop high quality standards.
• In depth and hands-on knowledge in the analyses of routine materials, including polymers, semiconductors, waste and recycling stream materials, and developmental materials.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams.
• Motivation to work independently
• Competency with method development, including novel materials.
• Knowledge of standard software (MS Office suite, JMP. LIMS).
• Commitment to meet goals on time.
• Ability to lead projects involving multiple internal and external parties. Advanced problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems.
• Ability to multi-task
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Head - Quality Global USA.
• This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $92,000 - $125,000 Estimated Annual Salary

US Physical Requirements:

• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• May exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis.
• Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, lab coat, face shield and arm guards).
• All associates working in the lab may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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.