First Solar Inc

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Reliability Engineer I (Engineering)



First Solar is leading the world's sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world's most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company's goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world's sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We're changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Job Overview:

For this position, the role of Module Reliability Engineer is to perform standardized and non-standardized testing of device performance to ensure product reliability throughout the 30 year product warranty and beyond.  The role will involve designing and conducting product testing along with compiling and analysing test data for review with engineering personnel to improve efficiency and stability of solar modules. 

Experience:    

  • At least 1 year in a Photovoltaics, Power Engineering, or other renewable energy field
  • Experience working with databases and knowledge of applying advanced data analytics and data manipulation skills (JMP and SQL experience desirable)
  • The candidate should have experience working with electronics and/or electrical measurement equipment and test equipment used in a laboratory setting (environmental chambers, power supplies, clamp-on current meters, IR camera, etc.)

Education:

Bachelor degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering required. PhD preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments in a fast paced manufacturing environment.  (Good multitasking skills a necessity)
  • Knowledge of Semiconductor based technologies such as Photovoltaics or microelectronics and ideally large area thin film technologies is a plus
  • Must be able to summarize experimental data and present it in a clear concise format, ability to do reliability data analysis a plus
  • Familiarity with photovoltaic measurement techniques is a plus
  • Familiarity with reliability test equipment, test methods and test structures used in support of failure analysis is a plus
  • Proven communications skills and attention to detail
  • Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, OneNote, etc.)
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision, pay attention to detail and be results-oriented
  • Consistently demonstrates efficient and effective methods to deliver quality test results

Basic job functions:

  • Develop test plans for qualification of new designs and materials
  • Organize and execute product reliability testing
  • Responsible to ensure that all the tests and measurements are complete per the schedule
  • Perform data analysis of accelerated product lifetime testing, data modeling
  • Responsible to communicate immediately any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipment

US Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
  • Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis
  • Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional 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, hearing protection)

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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 band 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.

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