Development Engineer II- Wet Coating​/Surface Treatment

Join to apply for the Development Engineer II
- Wet Coating/Surface Treatment role at First Solar
.

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

• Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
• Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.
• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness and improve methods for use by others.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Apply state‑of‑the‑art techniques for material analysis and statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments; develop a work plan that can address problems with well‑understood solution paths.
• May determine and evaluate material or tool/equipment specifications for improved performance.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external partners and customers; support cross‑functional projects and take ownership of sub‑deliverables.
• May train, mentor and manage junior associates.
• Comply with company policies on environment, quality, safety, and other enforced regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate’s Degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline + 15 years of relevant technical experience OR 2 years as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline + 5 years of relevant technical experience OR 2 years as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in engineering or a similar technical discipline + 3 years of relevant technical experience OR 2 years as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in engineering or a similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Hands‑on experience with wet processing equipment (wet etch, roll coating, ARC deposition, CMP, ECD, etc.) preferred.
• Experience with atmospheric plasma preferred.

• Comprehensive understanding of functional business units’ core area with expert knowledge in at least one area.
• Hands‑on skills in execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
• Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
• Good communication skills across organizations.

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager; may have direct reports.

• 5% – 10%

• $78,600 – $112,000 annually.

• 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 frequently.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist frequently.
• May stoop, kneel or bend on an occasional basis.
• Must wear personal protective equipment (e.g., steel‑toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, arm guards). Ongoing employment may require respirator use and a condition of continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Engineering and Information Technology