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Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA

First Solar · OHtoday
$63k – $89k

Associate-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $80k (16 that show pay).

Sustain and troubleshoot thin-film solar module manufacturing processes including vacuum deposition and wet coatings

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on process ownership across vacuum deposition, wet coatings, and laser scribing in a high-volume solar fab.

Might not be for you. Shift-based production support with heavy PPE and physical demands — not open-ended R&D.

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry roleBS acceptable Realistic requirements

Adjacent materials roleImprove equipment and processes including vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser scribing, module assembly; submit samples for Material and Failure analysis

H-1B filings

First Solar filed 35 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Engineer- Development II, Engineer- Manufacturing I, Engineer- Manufacturing I USA. Median filed pay: $95K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Entry level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
Associate
Experience
1–5 yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
Process Engineering
Techniques
Statistical Process Control84 rolesmaterial and failure analysis

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Sustains and troubleshoots assigned manufacturing processes and equipment. Communicates to operations and engineering teams in a timely manner for issues spanning tool-down issues, yield, quality, and identify actions to prevent repeat issues. Participates in continuous improvement projects and actions to prevent repeat issues. Certain positions may require 2nd shift or compressed work-week hours.

Education/Experience: Associate’s degree in a technical discipline (engineering or sciences), and 5 years of relevant technical experience or associate’s degree and > 1 year of experience as a technician (DET-II, MET-II, EPT-II or higher). Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline (engineering or sciences), and 1 year of relevant experience. Master’s Degree in technical discipline related to the assignment (engineering or sciences) without prior work experience. Required Skills/Competencies: Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis. Structured Problem Solving. Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to write technical documentation.

Basic Mechanical and Electrical Troubleshooting. Essential Responsibilities: Adherent to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC). Understands and can apply structured problem solving (such as DMAIC). Support the qualification and operation of processing equipment and metrology gages. Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results. Responsible for solving day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems while on shift.

Maintain and continuously improve the equipment and processes that may include areas like vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser scribing, module assembly, material handling, and automation. Collect, prepare, and submit samples for Material and Failure analysis. Perform data collection relating to daily equipment performance and associated product performance. Collaborate with other associates and supplier representatives as required to complete assigned projects. Maintain effective communication with production, maintenance, and engineering associates. Draft process work-instructions and other documentation under the oversight of senior engineers. Other duties as assigned.

Job description subject to change at any time. Reporting Relationships: This position will report to the Engineering Manager. This position will not have direct reports. Travel: 5% - 10% 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 or steps 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 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.

Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees 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 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 or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair). 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 and 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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Common questions

What is the salary for the Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $63K–$89K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does First Solar sponsor H-1B visas?

First Solar has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role at First Solar based?

This role is based in OH.

What degree is required for the Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role at First Solar?

The posting accepts the following combinations: Associate + 5 years, Associate + 1 year, BS + 1 year, MS + 0 years.

How many years of experience does this Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role require?

The posting calls for 1–5 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role work with?

thin film.

What techniques or methods are required for this Engineer- Associate Manufacturing Technology Scaling USA role?

Statistical Process Control, material and failure analysis.