Manager- Device Research USA-First Solar

Job Description

Job Title: Manager- Device Research USA

Company: First Solar

Location: Perrysburg, OH

Pay: $127700 – 150000 per year

AI Pay Analysis:

The "Manager- Device Research USA" position in Perrysburg, OH, offers an annual salary between $122,800 and $150,000, aligning with industry standards for similar roles in the region. For instance, the average salary for a Research and Development Manager in Ohio is approximately $153,223 per year, with a typical range from $137,884 to $169,839. (salary.com) Additionally, the average salary for a Technology Research Manager in Ohio is about $170,607 per year, with a range from $125,974 to $224,546. (salary.com) These figures suggest that the offered salary is competitive and consistent with industry standards for similar positions in the area.

Job description:

At First Solar, we are significantly expanding our perovskite research program and are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Manager to lead our efforts in this exciting field at our newly constructed research facility in Perrysburg, Ohio. This role is crucial in demonstrating the feasibility and advancing the commercialization of perovskite technology. As a key member of our development team, the successful candidate will lead a technical team and engage in hands-on activities, including device engineering, scaling up processes, conducting materials research, and integrating mini-modules for performance testing.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline; a Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience in Device Development, Process Integration, or Process Development (three years with a Master’s or two years with a Ph.D.).
• Experience in the semiconductor, thin film, or electronics industry is preferred.
• Significant advantage for candidates with experience in photovoltaics, particularly in perovskites.
• Management experience in Device Integration or Development is preferred.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in thin film deposition processes (both wet coating and vacuum deposition) and process control, organic and inorganic chemistry, and device characterization/characterization of thin films.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proven track record in developing new technologies and processes for high-performance solar cells, specifically perovskite solar cells.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience in managing research teams.
• Ability to integrate concurrent process development activities with a deep understanding of process interactions.
• Capacity to develop, plan, and manage complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects while assessing technological risks, scopes, and timelines.
• Expertise in thin film metrology, device characterization, and test equipment development, with a foundational understanding of the optical, electrical, and opto-electronic properties of photovoltaic devices.
• Comprehensive understanding of thin film deposition methods and processes.
• Advanced knowledge of process equipment and engineering practices.
• Solid understanding of material and device characterization as well as failure analysis.
• Ability to analyze complex data and effectively communicate results.
• Demonstrated capability in managing engineering teams, setting goals and objectives, and motivating others to achieve desired results.
• Proficiency in coordinating activities across various engineering and operational groups, alongside strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven competency in statistical process optimization and data analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE), Analysis of Variance, and process control implementation.
• Familiarity with statistical software, preferably JMP.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Direct or matrix manage a team of cross-functional engineers, defining specific and quantifiable objectives.
• Lead and oversee research projects focused on new materials exploration, device engineering, scaling up, PV process integration, and performance testing.
• Utilize strong communication skills to ensure effective collaboration among interdisciplinary teams.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, creativity, and innovation while effectively interfacing with other functional areas in support of development activities.
• Maintain adherence to program goals and schedules, prioritizing experiments and activities effectively.
• Integrate failure analysis, material/device characteristics, and process data to identify mechanisms and root causes of failures impacting film and device properties.
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures and housekeeping standards.
• Contribute to First Solar’s intellectual property portfolio by documenting inventions and supporting IP personnel in patent applications.
• Remain current on advancements in perovskite research to identify and evaluate innovation opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to the Development Director or Development Head and will have direct reports.

Travel:

• Estimated at 10% to 20%.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $127,700 – $150,000 Annually.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for the duration of a shift.
• Occasional climbing of stairs and lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 27 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands for tasks such as grasping, lifting, handling, carrying, or feeling objects.
• Visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.
• Compliance with all safety standards and procedures, including the ability to wear personal protective equipment and respirators, as required.

Candidates who meet the educational and experiential requirements listed above and excelling in the responsibilities outlined will be considered. All candidates receiving a job offer must successfully complete a background check and any required tests.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. The company is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting individuals across all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity, recognizing that diversity and inclusion are essential to our company’s success.

Job Posting Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:09:22 GMT

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