Reliability Engineer III (Product Assurance Engineer)

Apply by eMail:do_not_reply@invalidemail.com

Description:
First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.
 
Basic Job Functions:
Reliability Engineer is responsible for ensuring the product assurance continuously meets or exceeds First Solar, customer, certification and regulatory body expectations. Responsible to build/enhance our confidence in predicting the long term product reliability, maintain any required and/or appropriate quality/product certifications while ensuring supplier issues do not negatively impact our business.  Responsible for managing core reliability activities such as specifying appropriate use factors and criteria for selection of materials/processes, specifying de-rating methods and principles, requirements management, design for reliability in product and process development, promoting robust design approaches, identifying and mitigating product application constraints, reliability estimation and growth by managing modeling of products at First Solar reliability labs. Support quality and production goals by promptly and effectively managing activities such as qualification (Equipment, process, plant), NCP disposition and enforcement of preventative/corrective actions.
Experience:
 
Required:
·         5-10 years experience as a lead reliability engineer role is required. 
·         3-5 years experience managing personnel.
·         Experience in a photovoltaic /semiconductor industry.
·         Preferred experience in PV technology or other relevant industry in the following areas:
o   Product reliability testing and modeling (In-house and Field Testing)
o   Design of reliability demonstration and modeling tests and automation systems for data logging, analysis and reporting.
·         3-5 years experience in establishing indoor/outdoor PV module testing practices, establishing procedures and specifying equipment is preferred.
·         1-2 years preferred experience in photovoltaic array performance measurement techniques and managing outdoor/field PV system installations.
 
Education:
·         BS (EE, Chem E, Physics, Alternative Energy9PV)
·         Masters degree preferred (EE, Alternative Energy (PV) or Physics preferred).
 
Required Skills:
·         Advanced knowledge of Photovoltaic’s (PV), reliability of PV modules, PV systems engineering concepts.
·         Proven skills in using reliability analysis methods.
·         Proven skills in problem solving and root cause analysis.
·         Advanced skills and experience with Microsoft Office tools, Databases, Data Mining, Reliability (Weibul++, ALTA) & Statistical software (Jmp, Minitab) experience required.
·         Proven understanding of Continuous Improvement/Quality tools, Robust Engineering, Design of experiments, SPC, 6 Sigma, and FMEA.
·         Project management experience in handling high impact/large scale projects and/or new product/process launches.
·         Experience in establishing procedures for evaluating returns, processing, root cause analysis and risk mitigation of quality issues as related to warranty claims.
·         Excellent interpersonal communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
·         Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
·         Adheres to safety requirements and good housekeeping procedures.
·         30% travel required for both local and international destinations.
 
Preferred skills:
·         Experience in PV industry in Reliability/Product management/ Development groups.
·         Experience in Root Cause Analysis and 8D processes.
·         Experience with Product design/validation/launches is a plus.
·         Experience with Jmp is a plus.
·         A healthy balance of Electrical and Mechanical knowledge.
·         Experience using basic electrical/mechanical measuring equipment desired.
·         Knowledge of Semiconductors, Device Physics and Thin Film Technology is a plus.
 
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
·         Responsible...

Apply by eMail:do_not_reply@invalidemail.com

Job Created: Thu Oct 29 2009 07:07:20 AM
Last Modified: Fri Nov 20 2009 07:41:58 AM