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Engineer- Manufacturing I USA

First Solar · Perrysburg, OH3w ago
$69k – $98k

BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $115k (780 that show pay).

Sustain PV module yield, efficiency and reliability through root-cause analysis, DOE and SPC, and transfer new tech to satellite sites.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own yield and reliability for high-volume thin-film PV production, plus tech transfer from pilot line to satellite sites.

Might not be for you. Manufacturing sustaining focus with PPE, floor time and travel; little open-ended materials research.

Generalist First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleBackground in Semiconductor or PV process technology or Material Science; thin film deposition preferred; material, physical and electrical failure analysis; yield/efficiency/reliability

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
BS
Experience
0+ yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
Process Engineering
Techniques
failure analysis199 rolescompositional analysis

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Daily sustaining of product performance for key manufacturing metrics (Yield, Module Efficiency and Reliability) in timely fashion. Define problem statement and work cross-functionally for characterization of process issue, short term containment and long term prevention solution. Transfer new technology from pilot line to satellite sites.

Education/Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify: Associate’s Degree in an engineering or similar technical discipline combined with 3 or more years of First Solar technical experience, or 6 or more years of technical work experience in a Manufacturing setting. Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Ph.D. in an engineering or similar technical discipline with no experience required. Technical work experience in combination with a degree is preferred. The following certifications and experience can be used in lieu of the above degree requirements.

In each case the candidate must demonstrate skills and experience in peer training/mentorship and basic data analysis 3 or more years’ experience as a First Solar Maintenance Technician III, MET III, EPT III or Equipment Coordinator III or Journeyman certification in a relevant technical discipline such as Machinist or Electrician combined with 5 or more years industry experience at Journeyman level or 10 or more years’ experience as a highly skilled technician/specialist in a relevant discipline. Industry-recognized certification strongly preferred. Required Skills/Competencies: Background in Semiconductor or PV or electronic process technology or Material Science and device physics.

Experience working with cross functional technical teams to solve problems and implement new processes and products. Demonstrated proficiency in Statistical Data Analysis and experience using statistical software (JMP and SAS preferred). Strong track record of effective problem-solving, and root-cause analysis. Understanding of manufacturing engineering systems (FMEA, SPC) and structured problem-solving methods (such as DMAIC). Prior experience with thin film deposition, thermal and wet processing preferred. Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Desired Skills: Understands and can apply DOE Understands and can apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) Understands and can apply structured problem solving (such as DMAIC) Experience in high volume ramp and/or new tech transfer is desired Project management experience preferred Ability to work with minimal supervision Essential Responsibilities: Ensure adherence to all safety/environmental procedures Responsible for sustaining day-to-day production ensuring module efficiency, quality and reliability within defined SPC limits.

Ability to lead discussion with cross-functional departments and satellite sites to ensure timely communication and effective problem solving Design statistical experiments and Analyze data using sound statistical methodology to drive improvements and recommendations to operations of process engineering.

Understanding of and ability to interpret the results from material, physical and electrical failure analytical techniques and various compositional analysis measurements Support technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities from development site to meet yield, reliability, cost, and device performance goals Provide engineering support for high volume manufacturing across multiple engineering departments in a global organization, working with international teams in cross functional environment Will support vendor discussions as needed for improvement projects, and issue resolution Develop and maintain process control plans Develop and provide training to engineering technicians, and production associates Reporting Relationships: Reports to Manager, Manufacturing Engineering – Integration.

This position could have direct reports. Travel: Domestic and international travel as required. Estimated Salary Range: $68,800-$98,050 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- Manufacturing I USA role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $69K–$98K. 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- Manufacturing I USA role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Engineer- Manufacturing I USA role at First Solar based?

This role is based in Perrysburg, OH.

What degree is required for the Engineer- Manufacturing I USA role at First Solar?

The posting accepts the following combinations: Associate + 6 years, BS + 0 years.

How many years of experience does this Engineer- Manufacturing I USA role require?

The posting calls for at least 0 years of relevant experience.

What techniques or methods are required for this Engineer- Manufacturing I USA role?

failure analysis, compositional analysis.