Development Engineer II USA

Company: First Solar
Location: Perrysburg
Posted on: March 20, 2023

Job Description:

Job Description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

You will drive novel materials synthesis using a deep understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and powder metallurgy, for the First Solar PV module efficiency improvements roadmap. The work will include pioneer experimentation as well as participating in efforts with production engineers to troubleshoot and optimize existing operations. You will participate in process development efforts to improve solar module performance (solar module conversion efficiency) by optimizing production processes using statistical and engineering techniques. You will develop new processes/materials to drive improvements to solar module performance, stability, and reliability, and reduce overall cost (cost per watt) of First Solar's product. You will work on metallurgical assessment of opportunities to enhance raw materials supply for First Solar.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical/Materials/ Mining, Chemical Engineering, or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar.
• Master Degree in Metallurgical/Materials/ Mining, Chemical Engineering, or similar technical discipline, with 3 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline without experience.
• Experience in materials synthesis (powder centric), characterization, and process scale-up (metallurgical synthesis and high-purity metals experience preferred).
• Experience with pyro/hydrometallurgical operations to recover critical elements. Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Strong background in chemical processing including kinetics, mass transport, and thermodynamics
  • Strong design of experiments, SPC, and data analysis skills using statistical packages (e.g. Jmp)
  • Experience with interpreting phase equilibria in complex systems
  • Basic knowledge of materials characterization techniques (LECO, Mass Spectroscopy (GDMS / ICP-MS), XRD, WDXRF, SEM, TEM, SIMS, TGA, particle size characterization, DSC...)). Experience with characterizing thin films, powders.
  • Ability to scan and source relevant literature, prepare succinct literature reviews, and incorporate ideas into development effort
  • Experience with powder metallurgical/mineral processing techniques (including comminution, classification, densification, and characterization by state-of-the-art approaches)
  • Experience with pyro/hydrometallurgy (specifically froth flotation, roasting, leaching...) to efficiently recover critical elements, and cost estimation for recovered elements. In particular, experience with Cu, Au, and chalcogenides-based extractive metallurgy is desirable.
  • Experience with setting up and maintaining laboratory equipment and with state-of-the-art data acquisition techniques. This position will be very "hands-on" and requires a detailed and thorough approach to design and execution of experiments
  • Ability to take an idea from conception through to patent and production
  • Experience with PV / solar cells and understanding of PV device is a plus
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate up, down, and across organizations and organizational boundaries Essential Responsibilities:
    • Generate and execute experiments relating to semiconductor materials synthesis, process optimization, and characterization.
    • Develop, drive, and support projects dealing with efficient, cost-effective approaches to recover materials from waste/by-product streams.
    • Compose reports that detail research; present findings to members of group and larger audiences, as needed.
    • Coordinate with associates from existing production operations to tune process parameters of existing equipment and perform root cause analysis on observed anomalies.
    • Work with internal and external laboratories to obtain relevant analytical measurements.
    • Strive to continuously improve safety systems and ensure adherence to all safety and environmental procedures as well as housekeeping standards. Be familiar with safety protocols for working with toxic chemicals and gases.
    • Lead efforts to improve module performance by identifying areas of potential improvement in the production process. Design, execute and analyze engineering tests. Perform data analysis on production data to identify factors influencing performance.
    • Identify opportunities for improvement in process equipment design. Successfully interact with manufacturing and design engineers/maintenance technicians to implement equipment modifications.
    • Provide direction to / mentor technicians on process testing, data analysis, and statistical methods. Reporting Relationships:
      • Reports to Development Manager Estimated Salary Range:
        • $73,300 - $120,000 US 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 27 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 each eye, 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, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
          • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, and arm guards)
          • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is 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 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.

Keywords: First Solar, Toledo , Development Engineer II USA, Engineering , Perrysburg, Ohio