Technician - Manufacturing Engineer II (m/w/d)
First Solar
Company Overview
First Solar, Inc.
Tempe, AZ, United States
1999
Approximately 7,000 employees globally (source: linkedin.com).
What They Do
First Solar specializes exclusively in thin-film photovoltaic solar technology, utilizing cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductors to manufacture large-format glass-glass modules. Their flagship products, the Series 6 Plus and Series 7 modules, are designed to produce electricity with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional crystalline silicon panels. This innovative approach allows First Solar to use only 2% of the semiconductor material per watt, completing production in just 4.5 hours per module under one roof, ensuring full traceability throughout the manufacturing process (source: investing.com). The company also engages in project development, operations and maintenance services, and offers complete PV solar power systems for third-party buyers, featuring innovative under-mount frames for quick installation and an in-house global recycling program that achieves a remarkable 90% recovery rate of semiconductor and glass materials (source: pvo-int.com). Their target markets include utility-scale developers, independent power producers, and commercial firms across various regions, including the United States, Europe, India, and the Middle East (source: investigate.afsc.org). As the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar is recognized as a Tier 1 producer, emphasizing energy security through domestic production and significant investments in research and development (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net).
Projects & Track Record
First Solar has an impressive track record, having powered over 5,500 MW of large-scale solar plants across major European markets since 2005. Notable projects include supplying 104,000 panels to the Kalia solar farm in the occupied West Bank and 40,000 panels to Israel's largest solar farm located in the Ramat Hovav Industrial Zone (source: pvo-int.com). The company is currently expanding its manufacturing capabilities with a new 3.5 GW facility in Ohio that became operational in early 2023, and a $1 billion factory in Alabama set to begin operations in 2025. Additionally, First Solar is launching a plant in Tamil Nadu, India, expected to start production in late 2023, further enhancing its global capacity and supporting the anticipated growth in solar energy demand (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company’s strategic partnerships with utility-scale operators and system owners worldwide have solidified its position as a leader in the solar manufacturing sector (source: investing.com).
Recent Developments
In the past two years, First Solar has made significant strides in expanding its manufacturing footprint. In August 2022, the company announced a $1 billion investment for a new 3.5 GW manufacturing facility in Alabama, which is set to commence operations in 2025. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase U.S. solar output to over 10 GW DC by 2025, creating approximately 15,000 indirect jobs and contributing an estimated $3.2 billion in economic value (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company has also begun construction on its first factory in India, located in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to start operations by late 2023. First Solar continues to maintain its status as the only U.S.-headquartered company among the top 10 global solar manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on research and development, having invested over $1.5 billion since 2010 (source: pvo-int.com).
Working There
First Solar offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including engineering, product management, sales and marketing, operations, and manufacturing. The company’s headquarters in Tempe, AZ, serves as the hub for executive leadership and key teams, while its manufacturing facilities in Ohio and the upcoming Alabama site focus on production-scale growth (source: salestools.io). The corporate culture at First Solar emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, supported by open-plan offices, flexible seating arrangements, and wellness facilities. The company prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth, creating an environment that attracts top talent (source: salestools.io). Comprehensive benefits are offered to employees, although specific details regarding packages are not extensively documented in available sources (source: salestools.io).
Contact
Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue
Job Description
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions
- Assist in the installation and qualification of systems, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield, and product performance goals. Will include supporting the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process followed by a transition to start-up, qualification, and implementation of the new production process with the eventual evolution into a standard production MET position.
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent plus one of the following criteria:
- 1 year of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I.
- 3 years of First Solar Technical experience.
- 10 years of technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
- Associate degree in a technical discipline plus one of the following criteria:
- 1 year as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I.
- 2 years First Solar Technical Experience.
- 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline.
Required Skills/Competencies
- Safety first mindset.
- Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving on the manufacturing line.
- Demonstrated proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency in responding to SPC alarms to bring processes back in control.
- Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Able to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
- Good written and oral communications skills in English.
- Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
Essential Responsibilities
- Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
- Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements. Develop methods to assign causes to yield excursions.
- Set up and maintain gauges.
- Ensure all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.
- Respond to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.
- Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report experimental results.
- Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.
- Provide training to production associates.
- Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
- Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
- Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
- Provide training to production associates.
- Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
- Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP).
- Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
- Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
- Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
- Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships
- This position reports to the Manager- Manufacturing Engineering.
- This position will not have direct reports.
Travel
- No travel is required.
Estimated Salary Range
- $23.03-$32.21 Hourly.
US Physical Requirements
- Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
- Will climb stairs on a frequent basis.
- Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
- Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
- Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
- Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
- Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
- 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
- May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
- May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
- Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).
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 are a driving force in the success of our company.
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About the role
October 4, 2025
Full Time
Company
December 30, 2025
On-site
USD 23–32 per hour
- New Iberia, Louisiana, United States
Entry-level to mid-level, requiring 1-10 years of experience depending on education.
UTC-05:00
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