Development Engineering

Lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems and PLC/HMI programming

Support end-to-end equipment commissioning, vendor checkout, and system startup

Drive data collection, optimization, and visualization for control systems

Develop software tools to improve workflows and enable AI/ML adoption

Integrate equipment with MES, SQL databases, and enterprise systems

Troubleshoot and resolve control system and equipment issues

Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline 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 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 and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.

D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline.

Minimum 2 years of industrial work experiences in one or more of the following categories: equipment project engineering, equipment engineering, software engineering, control engineering, Automation engineering, AI/ML driven functional material development

Strong programming skills in Python, with experience using libraries such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch

Experience with controls engineering and industrial automation systems, including PLC/HMI programming and electrical/control system troubleshooting

Proficiency in AutoCAD, with the ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics and panel layouts

Solid understanding of electrical and electronic control systems, with hands-on troubleshooting experience

Cognex configuration and programming)

Experience coordinating with international vendors, including equipment integration and technical communication

Working knowledge of machine learning concepts and data preprocessing techniques for industrial applications

Familiarity with MSSQL/SSMS and data visualization tools for data analysis and reporting

High proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Design and enhance control software for process, metrology, and analytical equipment, enabling more efficiency research workflows and future machine learning and AI adoptions.

Streamline database systems through administration, automation, and performance tuning to ensure reliable and efficient data operations.

Develop tailored software tools and applications to address evolving site-specific challenges and improve overall productivity.

Responsible for designing, programming, and coordination of small to mid-scale control systems and projects, enabling remote control where desired; responsible to assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation; responsible for maintaining and updating of process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current; responsible for troubleshooting and problem-solving equipment issues, especially control related; responsible to support cross functional teams on large projects including hardware bring-up/troubleshoot, software develop/CIP/debug, drive vendor communication; responsible to bridge gap of existing and new equipment in databasing to handshake with corporate server and be able to interface data transaction

Maintain effective communications levels and fosters team building.

Responsible for assisting with communication between process equipment and SQL database.

Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Up to 10% domestic/international

Travel:

Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.

• 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. 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.