Engineer- Quality ; 1st Shift

Job Title

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic

Job Functions:

• Support the administration, execution, and continual improvement of First Solar's ISO 9001–certified Quality Management System (QMS) with specific ownership of the Calibration and Incoming Quality Assurance (IQA) process.
• Develop, implement, and maintain calibration and IQA - related procedures, work instructions, and processes in support of the QMS.
• Lead and maintain site-wide Calibration Management System to ensure all inspection, measuring, and test equipment (IMTE) are calibrated, controlled, and compliant.
• Support internal, external (ISO), customer, and third-party audits related to calibration, measurement systems, and quality compliance.
• Support and maintain Incoming Quality Assurance activities, including inspection planning, supplier material verification, and nonconformance handling.
• Maintain calibration records, documentation, and data integrity in compliance with regulatory, contractual, and company requirements.

Education/

Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S. highly preferred) or 3-5 years related Quality experience required or 3 years of experience as an associate engineer or Calibration/IQA Technician III at First Solar.
• ASQ Certification (CQI, CCT, CQA, CQE) desired.
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor certification or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification preferred.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.

Required Skills/

Competencies:

• Strong working knowledge of calibration principles, metrology, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience with Incoming Quality Assurance processes including inspection plans, sampling methods, and material disposition.
• Experience managing calibration databases, schedules, and external calibration service providers.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and measurement requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive corrective actions to closure.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Define, implement, and monitor the site Calibration and Incoming Quality Assurance (IQA) in accordance with ISO 9001, company policy, and applicable standards.
• Ensure all measurements and test equipment used in manufacturing, engineering, IQA and quality processes are properly calibrated, labeled, controlled, and traceable.
• Provide routine reports and metrics on calibration system health, compliance status, overdue equipment, and risk exposure.
• Establish and maintain incoming inspection criteria, sampling plans, and acceptance standards for raw materials, components, and supplier-provided equipment.
• Advocate for proper measurement controls, calibration best practices, and data integrity to improve quality KPIs and manufacturing performance.
• Manage calibration and IQA - related audit activities, including preparation, execution, response development, and corrective action closure.
• Monitor and maintain calibration and IQA related QMS elements (Document Control Center, PCAR, NCP, IQA) to ensure alignment with business needs.
• Serve as the Quality, IQA and Calibration representative to manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and other First Solar sites.
• Develop and deliver training on calibration requirements, measurement best practices, and QMS procedures.
• Support Production Readiness activities by reviewing measurement capability and calibration requirements for new tools, processes, and equipment.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.
• Reports to Site Quality Manager.
• This position may have direct reports.

Reporting Relationships:

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)
• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $62,500 - $89,000, 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,…