Development Engineering Technician II

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

Basic Job Functions: 

• Support the MAD team (Material Analysis Department) specifically the EM (Electron Microscopy) group.  
• Be able to operate and understand the EM tools in our lab, which include Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Dual Beam-Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM) and cryo-FIB.
• Be able to perform Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) analysis as well as Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) on a regular basis. (Training will be provided.) 
• Must be proficient in sample preparation for EM analysis which includes cutting and polishing materials using our precision saw, mechanical polishers, and mount press. 
• Must be organized, pay attention to detail, motivated, and self-directed to support our heavy backlog. 

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to perform sample testing, using our electron microscopy instrumentation. 
• Must be hands on and mechanically inclined to support our special sample prep needs.
• Ability to work in a lab environment and be fast paced/quick learner. 
• Must be reliable and have excellent communication skills. 
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates and customers.  
• Microscopy experience is a plus but not fully required. However, must be willing to learn and understand the techniques. 
• Intermediate knowledge in MS Office and some knowledge of SQL/JMP.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Applies some technical skills to the position. May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position.
• Must be able to resolve many questions and problems independently.
• Plan, coordinate and execute testing in the laboratory, including coordination across team boundaries.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:     

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel: 

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.03-$32.21 Hourly. 

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 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, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.