Software Engineering Lead- Operations MES ; 1st Shift

Job Title

Lead
- Operation MES USA (1st Shift) at First Solar

Lead
- Operation MES USA (1st Shift) role focused on designing, developing, and supporting manufacturing execution systems (MES) at First Solar. This position drives project delivery, provides technical guidance to the MES development team, and ensures timely resolution of MES software issues while managing capacity expansion projects.

• Evaluate, design, and implement projects for controlling and interfacing with manufacturing processes.
• Develop data visualization and user input systems, database structures, procedures, and reports.
• Collaborate with MES architects and controls engineers to integrate solutions with MES hardware and software.
• Provide execution system technical knowledge and resources to the MES development team.
• Offer final level support for First Solar’s manufacturing execution systems, data architectures, and data collection.
• Respond to manufacturing MES software issues and implement proactive measures to minimize downtime.
• Direct MES Ops Developer Team in supporting equipment on the production floor and managing capacity expansion projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 6 years of work experience.
• At least 6 years in manufacturing systems or software development teams using Microsoft .NET technologies.
• 4+ years experience with manufacturing control systems, shop floor interface/automation systems, PLCs, or OPC data transfer.

• Proven organizational and project managerial skills.
• Demonstrated expertise with manufacturing software architecture and execution systems.
• Successful leadership of software development projects and processes.
• Strong C# development skills.
• Proven Microsoft SQL Server design and development expertise.
• Demonstrated success in application support.
• Excellent understanding of computer operating systems and software applications.
• Excellent understanding of enterprise data systems.
• Proven employee and customer relations skills.
• Strong interpersonal communications and ability to drive international projects with multinational teams.

• Evaluate, configure, and deploy execution system software for controlling manufacturing processes and tool data collection.
• Design and develop data visualization and user input systems.
• Develop database structures and procedures to operate and maintain software systems.
• Supply manufacturing data and operation reports to strategic MES partners and support data collection operations.
• Develop software and database applications on multiple platforms.
• Manage outsourced software development work.
• Ensure high quality software development standards.
• Oversee transition from solutions group to support group.
• Coordinate local MES Support Team activities, including on‑call rotations and escalation procedures.
• Maintain focus on team programs and key change requests.
• Interface with solutions/project teams to ensure smooth support hand‑off.
• Foster collaboration, open communication, and team building.

• Position includes direct reports.

• 5% – 10% travel required.
• Training may involve travel to other First Solar locations during plant start‑up.

• $109,500 – $156,000, annually

• Sit, stand or walk for the duration of a shift.
• Occasional stair climbing and light lifting up to 37 pounds.
• Use hands to grasp, lift, handle or feel objects frequently.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes with or without correction.
• Compliance with all safety standards and use of personal protective equipment required.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending.

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.