Test and Measurement Engineer

First Solar, a high-energy, rapidly growing developer and manufacturer of thin film Photovoltaic (PV) technology in solar modules is seeking a driven, results oriented Test & Measurement Engineer to work in the expanding Ohio design and manufacturing facility.

 

The incumbent will be responsible for the execution and continuous improvement of Test & Measurement functions required in the Test & Reliability area of the Company. Internally focused to provide accurate product measurements and ratings to manufacturing and engineering teams. Externally focused to ensure that all key product parameters continue to meet established customer expectations.

 

Position Responsibilities: Manage the development, implementation, documentation, and continuous improvement of the procedures and methods used for calibration and operation of test and measurement systems, with emphasis on solar simulator equipment. Manage a round-robin program with international calibration laboratories to establish and document the path of traceability to standards for the measurement and ratings of all products. Establish key metrics and methods to track and communicate the accuracy and capability of measurement systems. Report on these metrics weekly. Establish key metrics and methods to track and communicate all key product parameters/characteristics. Report on these metrics weekly. Manage the design, development and implementation of necessary software tools to automate monitoring, storage, analysis and reporting of data from test and measurement systems. Establish acceptance criteria for the purchase of all test and measurement equipment. Responsible for establishing the acceptance criteria, and subsequent qualification and acceptance testing of all product test and measurement systems. Responsible for data reduction, data analysis, and generation of internal and external reports. Coordinate with Technology Development to implement advanced reliability test and measurement systems in-line. Develop test procedures and equipment to accelerate and detect product failure mechanisms known to exist in the field. Responsible for the development of project plans, schedules and budgets (including cost projections) and adherence to the same. Presents project and program status reports. Negotiation/coordination of work with contractors, test facilities, national labs, etc. Interfaces with other Company and Customer Representatives as required. Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards. Responsible for effective communication levels, fosters team building, encourages creativity and out of the box thinking.

 

Supervisor Responsibilities:Supervise the activities of Test Technicians in the calibration and operation of test and measurement systems. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training and developing of Test Technicians. Regularly reviews the performance of Test Technicians, providing feedback, determining merit-increases, promotions, and corrective actions. Develops project budget and cost projects. Monitors and adheres to the same. Understanding and practice of management skills and functions, including planning and high level reporting and decision making.

 

Accountabilities:Ensure the accurate measurement and rating of First Solar products at all production facilities, acting as primary contact to internal and external customers for all test requirements. Achieve continuous improvement goals for the accuracy and variability of all test and measurement systems.

 

Minimum Qualifications: BS Degree, majoring in Engineering, Physics or similar technical discipline. 3-5 years working in a test or quality engineer role with supervisory experience, in a high-volume manufacturing environment; photovoltaic, semiconductor / thin film related industry preferred.

 

Required Skills:Fluent with Microsoft Office Suite Data analysis and statistical methods Experience with electrical test and measurement equipment, with emphasis on solar simulators and PV devices. Experience with performing and interpreting device electrical performance (IV, QE etc.)

 

Preferred Skills:Certified Reliability or Quality Engineer (CRE or CQE) Six Sigma Methodologies Statistical Process Control (SPC) Analysis of Variance Design of Experiments

 

To apply for this position, please visit www.firstsolar.com and submit your resume against the open position.