Engineer- Analytics IV

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Lead world-class analytics to solve complex challenges in product development, manufacturing, quality, reliability, performance, and finance with speed and agility. Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Model Development - Build predictive physical and statistical models for PV module performance, reliability, and energy yield, including energy prediction models for large-scale deployments.
• Data Analysis & Mining - Apply advanced statistics, machine learning (ML), and data mining to identify root causes of performance issues and improvement opportunities; analyze manufacturing and field data using Python, JMP, Matlab, and SQL.
• Experimentation - Design and execute DOE-based lab and field experiments to validate new technologies and processes; plan and characterize development engineering experiments with strategic foresight and risk mitigation.
• Performance Measurement - Measure PV module and system performance, troubleshoot concerns, and identify risk mitigation strategies; provide insights for sales and customer collateral based on product performance analysis.
• Research & Innovation - Conduct material and device research to enhance thin-film solar cell performance and stability while reducing manufacturing costs; lead projects requiring significant innovation critical to departmental objectives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration - Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Energy Services, and Business Development teams to align analytics with organizational goals.
• Communication - Present findings, strategies, and technical insights clearly to stakeholders; validate solutions with statistically sound evidence to minimize bias.
• Methodology Improvement - Stay current on emerging statistical methods and introduce new analytical techniques to improve organizational effectiveness.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
• Master'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 III at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; as are interpersonal, facilitation, presentation, quantitative, analytical, organizational follow-up skills, and the ability to meet deadlines on multiple projects/programs.
• Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with the ability to develop new solutions.
• Excellent technical leadership and customer satisfaction mindset.
• Proficient skills in analysis of PV system performance and PV system performance modeling best practices.
• Strong data mining ability to establish correlations between module manufacturing, lab, and field performance.
• In-depth understanding of PV module technology, device behavior and characterization.
• Proficiency in world class analytical tools such as JMP and Matlab.
• Proven ability with computer language skills with experience in MS SQL server, MS Office including Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on implementation of statistical methods and related analytical tools independently and without appreciable direction, with the end goal of understanding PV system and module performance, including identifying root causes of performance concerns.
• Plan and execute field and lab experiments, analyse data and effectively communicate results.
• Discover PV performance enhancement opportunities and risk mitigation strategies utilizing data mining and analysis techniques.
• Apply advanced statistical principles to the evaluation and solution of technical problems.
• Lead standardization of Matlab, Python, JMP Scripts and/or SAS analytical tools in the delivery of the project results.
• Remain current on the best known statistical methodologies, field performance analysis methodologies and bring in and develop within the organization new methodologies.
• Interface cross-functionally with Energy Services, Business Development, Product Management, Performance & Prediction and Global Customer Support Services groups.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Manager- Reliability Engineering.
• May have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $89,100-$127,000 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 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.