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

Basic Job Functions:

First Solar’s MES department seeks candidates who believe in our mission of providing cost-advantaged solar technology through innovation, customer engagement, industry leadership and operational excellence.

 

At First Solar, the MES organization is an innovation driver, continuously finding new ways to improve and automate processes that connect people and technology. They are the foundation of every business function, enabling the company to efficiently scale and make data-driven decisions to further our mission. People are MES’s most important asset, and this incredibly talented team supports our manufacturing systems, business applications, productivity tools, hardware, networks, and information security.

 

The MES organization seeks individuals who enjoy contributing to an innovative, fast-paced, forward-thinking team. They should be effective problem solvers, data driven, results oriented, and motivated to improve processes that help First Solar lead the world’s sustainable energy future.

 

Develops software, writes SQL-based reports, and provides support for First Solar’s Manufacturing Systems, R&D, and Quality systems and data architectures.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology with two years of related work experience or 1 years of First Solar IT Experience; OR Associate’s degree in Information Technology with four years of related work experience or 2 years of First Solar IT Experience; OR High School Diploma or GED with six years equivalent external work experience or four years of First Solar IT Experience. 2 or more years developing in Microsoft C#/.Net 2 or more years writing SQL queries (SQL Server preferred)

Required Skills/Competencies:

Proven ability with desktop and web-based UI design. Experience with multi-tiered architecture using C#, HTML/XAML/JavaScript, and SQL. Proven ability and knowledge of computer technology. Excellent communication and organization skills. Scripting technologies such as PowerShell. Excellent communication and organization skills. Demonstrated ability to create technical documentation and reports. Proven interpersonal skills.

Essential Responsibilities:

Is responsible for Level 1 support of Manufacturing Systems applications (incident and service request). Is responsible for meeting support response, resolution, and Manufacturing Systems service availability SLAs. Follows escalation plan when required to ensure SLAs met. Provides afterhours support as required via on-call roster system. Executes designs, specifications, and requirements to create applications and data structures for Manufacturing Systems and customer processes. Sets up and configures data collection activities and supports ongoing data collection from shop floor operations. Creates server-based applications to manage data, display reports, and provide status indicators / dashboards for information systems. Produces technical documentation for service transition to operation. Trains with subject matter experts to provide on call support, troubleshooting, and modifications to existing Manufacturing Systems applications. Collaborates with team members and stakeholders from other departments. Exercises effective communications levels and foster team building. Adheres to SDLC processes, standards, and compliance measures (SOx, etc.). Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards. Undertakes analytical activities and delivers analysis outputs, in accordance with customer needs and conforming to agreed standards. Within given research goals, builds on and refines appropriate outline ideas for research, i.e. evaluation, development, demonstration and implementation. Uses available resources to gain an up-to-date knowledge of any relevant IT field. Reports on work carried out and may contribute sections of material of publication quality. Applies data analysis and data modeling techniques to establish, modify or maintain a data structure and its associated components (entity descriptions, relationship descriptions, attribute definitions). Undertakes complete design of simple applications using simple templates and tools. Assists as part of a team on design of components of larger systems. Produces detailed designs including for example: physical data flows, file layouts, common routines and utilities, program specifications or prototypes, and backup, recovery, and restart procedures. Translates and implements simple development project requirements into physical database structures. Assesses proposed changes to object and data structures and implements these changes in physical databases. Assists in database management system support activities for operational database systems. Designs, codes, tests, correct, and documents simple programs, and assists in the implementation of software which forms part of a properly engineered information or communications system. Applies tools and methods to identify the user experience, user’s characteristics and tasks, and the technical, organizational, and physical environment in which the product or system will operate. Defines the integration build and produces a build definition for generation of the software. Accepts software modules from software developers, and produces software builds for loading onto the target hardware from software source code. Configures the hardware environment, produces integration test specifications, conducts tests and records the details of any failures. Carries out and reports fault diagnosis relating to moderately complex problems. Uses the tools and techniques for specific areas of release and deployment activities. Administers the recording of activities, logging of results and documents technical activity undertaken. May carry out early life support activities such as providing support advice to initial users. Assists in the investigation and resolution of issues relating to applications. Assists with specified maintenance procedures. Investigates problems in systems and services. Assists with the implementation of agreed remedies and preventative measures. Uses appropriate methods and tools in the development, maintenance, control, and distribution of quality and environmental standards. Makes technical changes to quality and environmental standards according to documented procedures. Distributes new and revised standards. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

This position will not have direct reports

Travel:

0-10% travel may be required. If hiring to a new plant prior to plant start, associate will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) in another plant in either Ohio or Alabama for training until their assigned plan starts equipment installation.

Estimated Salary Range:

$63,900.00 - $91,050.00, Annually. 

US Physical Requirements:

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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.