Development Engineering Technician II at First Solar Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio

Job Description:

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

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

Basic Job Functions 

Will lead development tests on factory equipment. This will involve material staging and prepping, as well as directing the workflow of other technicians and operators. May assist in troubleshooting of conveyor systems and robots to enable test execution.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.


• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.


• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven competency in sample preparation and measurement


• Ability to learn the operation of the production line, and how to most efficiently run tests


• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access)


• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends


• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of Associates.


• Excellent problem-solving ability

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of tests


• Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Resolves most questions and problems, and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.


• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on production line


• Works under minimal supervision. May assist in orienting and training lower-level employees.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit and stand periodically during the day.


• Will walk and climb stairs.


• May lift up to 50 lbs.


• Required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects.


• May stoop, crouch, talk and hear.


• Specific vision abilities are required. 


• 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).

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 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) and ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green 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 band 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.