Associate Development Engineer- Laser and Equipment USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes - be extremely hands-on.
  Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution.
• Attention to detail and summarize experimental data, monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions expected.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment, within strict deadlines, while handling multiple tasks.
• During equipment install, which lasts for a week or 2 (per install), flexibility in schedule may be needed.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechanical preferred) or similar technical discipline (Physics preferred) without prior technical work experience.
• Experience with 2D and 3D modeling software's (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent) required.
• Experience with optical setups, solid-state lasers and familiarity with laser material interactions required.
• Experience with Python or C++ or LabVIEW, preferred.
• Experience with basic circuit design and components (resistors, inductors, diodes, capacitors Arduino, Raspberry Pi DYI project experience could be helpful in this role).

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to take ownership of a problem and own the resolution.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
• Continuous improvement/learning.
• Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with a strong sense of ownership.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Tool set up, optical alignment, wiring, and process optimization/development.
• Create and update equipment preventive maintenance work instructions, equipment specifications, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Responsible for interfacing with other cross-functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create, and implement equipment improvement projects.
• Will coordinate installation of new equipment into a development line.
• Work with the facility team to prepare electrical, mechanical, and data drops for new equipment.
• Effective team member that can support cross functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
• Works under minimal supervision. May assist in orienting, mentoring, and training lower-level employees.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.
• May have direct reports.

Travel:

• Ability to travel to vendor site during equipment procurement (5 - 10% travel).

Estimated Salary Range:

• $62,500 - $89,000 Annually

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects 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, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
• All associates working on the production floor 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.