Engineer- Equipment I USA (1st Shift)

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First Solar

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New Iberia, LA, United States

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

This posting is for individuals who have graduated with their engineering or other technically relevant degree in the last calendar year or will be graduating through Spring 2024. The position will require temporary relocation to Perrysburg, OH or Trinity, AL for training in our current manufacturing facilities. Permanent assignment in New Iberia, LA will begin in Spring 2025 when the New Iberia factory begins commissioning activities.

Basic Job Functions:

  • Provide technical and professional leadership to the maintenance team and manage the engineering aspect of the maintenance process.
  • Use necessary engineering tools and programs to drive improvements and rate the effectiveness of repair works.
  • Maintain preventive maintenance (PM) records and other pertinent data that is deemed necessary to do a complete job.
  • Publish information that has been reviewed, in a report format, on a routine basis.
  • Work on cross functional teams to improve Throughput.
  • Streamline and improve PMs to continuously improve the availability of equipment.
  • Maintain the stock of relevant spare parts.

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:

  • Strong analytical, communication and organizational skills.
  • Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.
  • Knowledge of Engineering Principals and Practices.
  • Knowledge of Manufacturing processes.
  • Good knowledge of Problem-Solving Tools such as 7 Steps and DMAIC (6Sigma).
  • Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software, preferably with IBM/MRO Maximo.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Arrange, participate and implement PM-Planning.
  • Create and update equipment Preventive Maintenance Work Instructions, equipment specifications, equipment trouble shooting BKM and good manufacturing OPL.
  • Continuously improve spare part availability.
  • Provide training where applicable to Maintenance team.
  • Responsible to monitor long term equipment down issues and assist or lead with resolution.
  • Responsible for interfacing with other cross functional groups to identify, brainstorm, create and implement equipment improvement projects.
  • Job description subject to change at any time

Reporting Relationships:

  • This position could have direct reports.

Travel:

  • Domestic and international travel as required.

Estimated Salary Range:

  • $63,900 - $91,000, Annually

US Physical Requirements:

  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Will climb stairs 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 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green 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 be able to 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, hearing protection).

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.