Manager - Engineering Manufacturing (m/w/d)

Job Description

The incumbent under limited supervision is responsible for the management of ramping new technologies from R&D to High Volume Manufacturing. The engineering solution development will ensure the processes ramps and is able to demonstrate defined goals for Efficiency, Stability, manufacturing yield, and throughput in a defined timeline. This person will be responsible for managing a group of engineers and technicians (and as needed, overseeing training content for engineers and operators), on new process introduction, implementation, and documentation.

The incumbent is expected to provide strong leadership to the team, training personnel on all aspects of the semiconductor deposition and annealing processes and coaching when changes or improvements are necessary. The position will manage the task of the solution development department workload, tasks, and priorities. This person will be responsible for defining and documenting the requirements of the new technology process books (includes control plan, WI, OCAP, FMEA....).

At all times, the incumbent will maintain effective team interaction with Manufacturing Integration, New Process/ Product Introduction, Development Engineering, and Quality and Reliability Engineering. The incumbent will involve all needed parties in the successful qualification and implementation of new process changes. This person will lead/participate in global process and equipment fingerprinting and alignment activities. This person will be expected to define, set-up, and lead cross-functional forums to meet objectives detailed above.

Education/Experience

1. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or the equivalent required.
2. Masters degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or the equivalent preferred.
3. 5+ years of strong process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
4. Experience sustaining or developing thin-film deposition processes (Sputtering, CVD, Roll-Coating etc.), Thermal Annealing Processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
5. Demonstrated experience with using appropriate Materials Characterization tools like SEM, TEM, XRF, SIMS for troubleshooting process and equipment issues.
6. Demonstrated experience with optical metrology tools for thin-film measurements and process feedback.
7. Fluent with Microsoft Office Suite and Data Analysis platforms like JMP or Minitab.
8. Knowledge of ISO 9000 standards, statistical methods and SPC tools.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Proven Leadership and project management skills.
• Deep expertise in semiconductor manufacturing workflows, supporting process innovation and operational excellence.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of leading cross-functional technical task forces to resolve complex engineering problems.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analytics and data modeling, with a strong track record of developing resilient engineering controls.
• Proven leadership in engineering systems design and implementation, with expertise in control plans, FMEA, Six Sigma, and SPC to drive quality and operational excellence.
• Proven quality skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office suite and statistical software like JMP.
• Good communications skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Fills the requirements of the Manufacturing Process Qualification.
• Ramps new processes from Product Qual to Implementation.
• Performs regular performance reviews of Manufacturing Engineers and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians.
• Prioritizes personnel resources as directed.
• Provides strong leadership to the Engineering team, training personnel on all aspects of the deposition and thermal process, and coaching when changes or improvements are necessary.
• Responsible to interface with other Company, customer, and supplier representatives.
• Evaluates new proposed equipment according to process standards.
• Reviews process experiment proposals and subsequent results.
• Develops new operating procedures and accurate process description.
• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters Team Building. Removes roadblocks to the team's success.
• Defines and implements corrective/preventive actions and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Director of Manufacturing Engineering.
• This position will have direct reports.

Travel

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range

• $127,000 - $180,000 Annually

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, and 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.