Development Engineer III (Process Equipment Design/Process & Development Engineer)

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

Responsible for process development of all wet processing tools. Develop new chemical processes for improved interfaces. Develop novel treatments for improved device function. Responsible for transferring new wet processes from Advanced Research to high-volume manufacturing (HVM). Responsible for design concept to qualification of tool for HVM. Knowledge of roll coating processes is a plus. Job functions will require interaction with multiple outside vendors and may require some international travel.

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 8 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Experience with process engineering in an HVM environment preferred.
• Experience with chemical processes in large volume application desired.
• Experience with gravure roll coating / drying processes a plus.
  
  

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Chemistry background.
• Familiarity of semiconductor device physics at basic level.
• Familiarity with surface and bulk characterization techniques and measurements such as XRD, SEM, SIMS, XPS, WDXRF etc.
• Mechanical aptitude with willingness for hands on equipment upgrades and trouble shooting.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical data analyses, such as Multivariate Analysis, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments, and Measurement System Analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and execute multi-factor experiments in a manufacturing production environment.
• Experience with using statistical software (JMP preferred).
• Knowledge of MS Office software (strong knowledge of MS Access preferred).
• Excellent communications skills.
• Proven organizational skills.
  
  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Chemical processing design and optimization.
• Transfer of new processes to HVM platform.
• Design and qualification of new equipment for wet processing.
• Design, execute, and analyze multi-factor experiments.
• Provide clear written and verbal direction to a team of technicians.
• Participate in cross functional team reviews.
• Communicate results of engineering tests in a clear and concise manner.
• Be able to communicate with upper management, R&D engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.
  
  

Reporting Relationships:

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

Travel:

• 5% - 10%
  
  

Estimated Salary Range:

• $82,100-$117,000 Annually
  
  

US 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 27 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.