Development Engineering Technician II

$45,698 - $68,640/Yr

First Solar - Perrysburg, OH

Full-time

Perrysburg, OH

Utilities

About the position

The Development Engineering Technician II position at First Solar is a full-time role focused on supporting the Material Analysis Department (MAD), specifically within the Electron Microscopy (EM) group. The technician will be responsible for operating and understanding various EM tools in the lab, including the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Dual Beam-Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM), and cryo-FIB. The role requires proficiency in Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) analysis and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), with training provided for these techniques. A key aspect of the job involves sample preparation for EM analysis, which includes cutting and polishing materials using precision saws, mechanical polishers, and mount presses. The technician must be organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and self-directed to effectively manage the heavy backlog of work in the lab. Candidates for this position should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with 10 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar. Alternatively, an Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical field with 3 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in a related field without prior technical work experience is acceptable. The technician will apply technical skills to adapt procedures, processes, tools, and techniques to meet the complex requirements of the position, resolving many questions and problems independently. The role requires planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing while complying with the company's environmental, quality, and safety policies. The job description is subject to change at any time, reflecting the dynamic nature of the work environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the MAD team specifically the EM group.
• Operate and understand EM tools including SEM, FIB-SEM, and cryo-FIB.
• Perform EBSD analysis and EDS regularly, with training provided.
• Prepare samples for EM analysis, including cutting and polishing materials.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute testing in the laboratory.
• Work under minimal supervision and resolve questions independently.
• Comply with the company's Environmental, Quality, Safety policies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Ability to perform sample testing using electron microscopy instrumentation.
• Hands-on and mechanically inclined to support sample preparation needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced lab environment and be a quick learner.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of associates and customers.
• Intermediate knowledge in MS Office and some knowledge of SQL/JMP.

Nice-to-haves

• Microscopy experience is a plus but not fully required.
• Willingness to learn and understand microscopy techniques.