Engineer- Associate Development USA 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.

Basic Job Functions:

• Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes.


• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution.


• Attention to detail and summarizing experimental data, monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions expected.


• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple tasks.


• This job requires some experience with optics, solid-state lasers, and familiarity with laser material interactions.


• Experience with data mining and analysis, preferred.


• Experience with material analysis is preferred.


• General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.


• Able to troubleshoot and resolve problems on the manufacturing line.


• Assist with critical process development of laser systems and scribe parameters.


• Flexibility to work on weekends or around other tool downtimes is highly desired.


• Will be required to regularly present on progress made.


• This is a 2nd shift position with work hours from 2pm to 10pm.

Experience and Education: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.


• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar.


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

Required Skills:

• Ability to take ownership of problem and own the resolution.


• Continuous improvement/learning.


• Ability to take leadership to communicate and co-ordinate between multiple groups

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Tool set up, and process optimization/development.


• Own or co-own laser tools and taking part in regular maintenance of the tool


• Take ownership of a process development project


• Travel may be required up to 15-20%.

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, 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).

Please note: 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, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) 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.