Development Engineering Technician II

Basic Job Functions:

• Support DE tests in the manufacturing line or perform testing in a lab environment.
• Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
• May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals.
• May compile and analyze test data from performed testing.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Preferred discipline of general chemistry, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, materials science, polymer science, or solid-state physics.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic to moderate process and equipment issues on the production line or in the lab.
• Intermediate knowledge in MS Office and some knowledge of SQL/JMP.
• Expert in execution of experiments in lab or floor. May train others.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Excellent problem-solving skills; ability to proactively identify potential solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly learn and run wet chemistry coating tools.
• Ability to quickly learn and run semiconductor thin film deposition tools.
• Ability to run and maintain thermal treatment tools, heat convection ovens or rapid thermal processing tools.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret technical procedures and to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of lab and testing equipment and systems.
• Ability to learn and apply statistical methods, e.g., JMP preferred, to analyze data.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Applies some technical skills to the position. May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position.
• Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Able to resolve many questions and problems independently.
• Has ownership within his/her functional group of a particular operational process or equipment. Oversee maintenance and train others in this process.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on the production line, coupon line, or laboratory, including coordination across team boundaries.
• Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyze results using various techniques.
• Conduct basic metrology measurements when needed (AFM, TGA, DSC, XRF, UV-Vis, 4point-probe, reflectometry, etc.).
• Prepare, verify, and maintain various wet chemical solutions.
• Characterize the advanced thin film solar cells, e.g., measurements of JV; QE; EL; PL etc.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety, or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Senior Member- Technical Staff.

Work Schedule:

• M-F between 8am-4:30pm

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.03-$32.21 Hourly.

US 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).

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 is a driving force in the success of our company.