Engineer - Manufacturing II (m/w/d)
First Solar
Company Overview
First Solar
Tempe, AZ, United States
1999
Business Model
Renewable Energy
First Solar specializes in the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and provides utility-scale PV power plants. They focus on sustainable energy solutions and are known for their advanced thin-film solar technology.
The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of solar modules, project development, and providing operations and maintenance services for solar power plants. They also engage in the sale of renewable energy credits.
Locations & Geography
First Solar operates in several countries, including the United States, Canada, India, Germany, and Australia. Their global reach allows them to serve a diverse range of markets and customers in the renewable energy sector.
Company Culture
Their mission is to provide sustainable energy solutions that create value for their customers and contribute to a cleaner environment. They emphasize innovation, integrity, and a commitment to quality in all their operations.
First Solar fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages employees to share ideas and drive innovation. They prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported.
The company invests in employee development through various training programs and career advancement opportunities. They believe in empowering their workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the renewable energy industry.
Activities & Projects
First Solar is currently involved in several large-scale solar projects across the globe, including utility-scale solar farms in the United States and international markets. They are also expanding their manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand.
The company is known for its innovative thin-film solar technology, which offers higher efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to traditional solar panels. They continuously invest in research and development to enhance their product offerings.
First Solar is committed to sustainability, utilizing a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimizes waste and promotes recycling of materials. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment through their operations.
Career Opportunities
Typical job openings at First Solar include positions in engineering, project management, manufacturing, and sales. They seek individuals who are passionate about renewable energy and eager to contribute to their mission.
First Solar offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They also provide opportunities for professional development and a supportive work-life balance.
Contact Information
Last updated on 2025-03-27 | Report an issue
Job Description
The work location for this position is to be determined and will be communicated at the time of offer. Candidates must be willing to relocate to any First Solar location. Relocation assistance may be provided where applicable.
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions
Install and qualify new process equipment. Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner. These include tool down issues, yield, quality issues and identify actions to prevent repeat issues. Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.
Education/Experience
- Associates Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or 2 years Engineering experience and 3 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
- MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2-4 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
- PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting
Required Skills/Competencies
- Demonstrated Proficiency in Statistical Data Analysis
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated Proficiency Metrology and measurement best practices
- Demonstrated Proficiency in writing complete manufacturing documentation
- Understands and can apply Design of Experiments
- Demonstrated Proficiency in applying Statistical Process Control)
- Structured Problem-Solving Method (such as DMAIC)
- Demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing processes
- Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs
- Demonstrated capability to train operators, technicians, and new engineers
- Ability to work autonomously to achieve goals
- Excellent oral and written communications skills
Desired Skills
- Knowledge of General Electronics
- Knowledge in General Mechanical Systems
- Demonstrated proficiency with applying Robust Engineering principles to develop and implementing processes
Essential Responsibilities
- Develop, continuously improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner
- Inject manufacturing requirements to new process development by working with development team
- Design and execute experiments to establish manufacturing process window
- Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems
- Evaluate, Install and Qualify new equipment
- Design and execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results
- Responsible for data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance
- Responsible to interface with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects
- Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers
- Set up new gauges and perform Gauge maintenance
- Develop and provide training to other engineers, engineering technicians, and production associates
- Champion continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods
- Provide mentorship to Jr. engineers and Technicians
- Develop Process Control Plans and Preventive Maintenance Plans
- Works with minimal supervision
- Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
- Domestic and International travel as required
- Develop and maintain drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures
- Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance
- Other duties as assigned
- Job description subject to change at any time
Reporting Relationships
- Reports to Manager, Manufacturing Engineering- Finishing
- May have direct Reports
Travel
- Domestic and International travel as required
- If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.
Estimated Salary Range
- 78,600 - 112,000, Annually
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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
Office Physical Requirements:
All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.
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.
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About the role
October 27, 2025
Full Time
Company
October 27, 2025
Hybrid
USD 79k–112k yearly
- United States
2-4 years in engineering or technical roles in manufacturing
UTC-05:00 — UTC-08:00
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