First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.Basic Job Functions:Leads efforts to improve solar module performance by developing and implementing new thin film processes into a high-volume manufacturing environment. Uses statistical and engineering techniques to drive improvements to solar module performance, stability, and reliability, and reduce cost per watt of First Solar's product.Education/Experience:Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics) and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics), without prior technical work experience.Hands-on experience in PVD/CVD processes and thin film devices.Experience in engineering with exposure to high-volume manufacturing.Experience in interfacing with equipment and parts suppliers preferred.Experience with Semiconductor/PV and understanding of PV device is a plus.Required Skills/Competencies:Expertise in thin films deposition (PVD, CVD, plating) processes with a strong fundamental understanding and appreciation of process / equipment interactions.The ability to interface with, work with, manage and drive cross-disciplinary teams with diverse technical backgrounds to a common goal.Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate up, down and across organizations and organizational boundaries.Experience in structured problem solving, including data driven (empirical) and model based (theoretical) approaches with a high degree of comfort switching between the two.Proven track record in pushing beyond the state-of-the-art in a given area to deliver and implement innovative solutions to challenging technical problems.Demonstrated ability to transition a R&D process into manufacturing.Essential Responsibilities:Lead efforts to improve module performance by developing new thin film processes and new deposition tools. Design, execute and analyze engineering tests. Perform data analysis to identify factors influencing performance.Identify opportunities for improvement and survey risks in process equipment design. Successfully interact with manufacturing and design engineers / maintenance technicians to implement equipment modifications.Recognize equipment and process gaps and work across various parts of the organization to develop and implement it in production.Organize and lead cross functional engineering reviews. Coordinate actions of development, manufacturing and production personnel in carrying out engineering tests.Provide direction to / mentor development engineers and technicians on process testing, data analysis and statistical methods.Ensure processes are documented, develop process control plans, FMEA's and process maps.Participate in technology start-up, transfer, and ramp activities from development site to meet yield, reliability, cost, and device performance goals.Successfully interact with other development, manufacturing and production personnel to carryout engineering