Engineer- Manufacturing II USA (1st Shift)
First SolarFull Timemid
South Carolina, USPosted April 17, 2026
Job Description
Description
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions
- Design, install, and qualify new automation/process equipment. Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues on the production line in a timely manner. These include; tool down issues, yield, quality issues and identify actions to prevent repeat issues. Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.
Education/Experience:
- Associates Degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting, or 2 years Engineering experience and 6 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineer I or 3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or 2 years Engineering experience and 3 years Technical experience in a manufacturing setting or
- MS Degree in a technical discipline with 2-4 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or
- PhD Degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years Engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Demonstrated Proficiency in Mechanical & Automation Equipment Design.
- Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining FMEAs.
- Application of Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE).
- Excellent Project Lead / Project Manager skills.
- Knowledge of Robotics / PLC / Electronics / Vision equipment.
- Structured Problem-Solving Skills (such as DMAIC).
- Demonstrated Proficiency in writing complete manufacturing documentation.
Preferred Skills
- Machine / Robotic Automation experience (AGVs, Pick & Place / Collaborative Robots).
- Process Simulation Software experience .
- Solid Mechanical / Process Flow Aptitude.
- Knowledge in Robotic and Conveyor Systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency with applying Robust Engineering principles & processes.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Manages medium to large size capital equipment projects in Global environment.
- Provides concept/layout/design details for automation & material handling process tools.
- Process simulation modeling for existing & future production lines.
- Continuously improves, and documents robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
- Injects manufacturing / installation requirements to new process developments by working with development team.
- Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
- Evaluates, Install and Qualify new equipment.
- Interfaces with internal associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects.
- Develops & provide training for engineers, engineering techs, & production associates
- Champions continuous improvement activities using six-sigma and other statistical problem-solving methods.
- Develops Process Control Plans and Preventive Maintenance Plans.
- Develops and maintains layout drawings, process specifications, develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
- Performs data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance.
- Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
- Domestic and International travel required (up to 20%).
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position will not have direct reports.
Travel:
- 10% - 20%
- If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.
Estimated Salary Range:
- $80,700 - $115,000, Annually
US Physical Requirements:
Hybrid 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 37 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 both eyes together, 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
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