Development Engineer Technician

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Assists in the installation and qualification of RnD equipment.
• Troubleshoots day-to-day RnD process and equipment issues. 
• Performs, as directed, all necessary maintenance and repair of the equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner. 
• Identifies and/or implements system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.
• Leads the training/upskilling of peer associates and technicians.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 14 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 or similar technical discipline and 10 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 or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician II at First Solar
• The following strongly preferred: 
  • Extensive  experience (>4 years) as a mechanical or electrical technician as a primary job function
  • Extensive experience (>4 years) working on vacuum deposition tools (PVD, ALD), or (robotic based) automation system
  • Experience supporting a high-uptime production line, including off-shift or shift-based coverage.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety first mindset.
• Extensive verifiable electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.
• Extensive verifiable hands-on troubleshooting/repair skills.
• Competency in maintaining and repairing one or more of the following process equipment toolsets strongly preferred: Vacuum Deposition, Wet Deposition/Etching/Cleaning, Thermal treatment, Robotic Based Automation Systems
• Self-directed, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Good written and oral communications skills.
• Able to troubleshoot and solve equipment and process issues on RnD line.
• Able to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Working knowledge of common Windows computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Able to identify recurring issues and develop/communicate improvement recommendations.
• Willing and able to work the assigned shift, including schedule adjustments based on business needs, and to participate in the equipment team's weekend on-call rotation for emergency tool support.