First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce cost and/or cycle time. Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within the group, including auditing spare and wear levels. Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and pilot line environment. Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness. Education/Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer Technician III at First Solar. Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer Technician III at First Solar. Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer Technician III at First Solar. Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Associate Engineer at First Solar. Required Skills/Competencies: Comprehensive understanding of Cutting Technology. Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory or pilot line environment. Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions. Ability to make an execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership. Good communication skills across organizations. Essential Responsibilities: Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods. Apply state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths. May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. Effective communicator and coordinator within the organization. Effective team member that can support cross-functional project and take ownership of sub-deliverables. May direct work of hourly associates and coach them. 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: Up to 10 % of travel may be required. Estimated Salary Range: $63,900 - $90,000 Annually 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 req