Engineer – Recycling & Wastewater-First Solar

Job Description

Job Title: Engineer – Recycling & Wastewater

Company: First Solar

Location: Perrysburg, OH

Pay: $61000 – 87000 per year

AI Pay Analysis:

The annual salary range of $61,000 to $87,000 for an "Engineer – Recycling & Wastewater" in Perrysburg, OH, equates to approximately $29 to $42 per hour, assuming full-time employment. This is below the average annual salary of $89,928 for engineers in Perrysburg (indeed.com) and the average annual salary of $101,366 for wastewater engineers in the United States (indeed.com). Additionally, the average annual salary for wastewater engineers in Ohio is $48,544 (salary.com). Therefore, the offered salary range appears to be below the industry standards for this role and location.

Job description:

This role is integral to the sustainability, maintenance, and enhancement of process systems related to ultra-pure water generation, wastewater treatment, and solar module recycling. The primary responsibility involves developing recycling processes and wastewater treatment systems that comply with First Solar’s standards, as well as local and federal regulatory safety and environmental requirements.

The individual will conduct and coordinate trial runs to advance the solar module recycling process for both First Solar and non-First Solar panels. Collaboration with recycling operations team members and vendors is essential to ensure that process modifications are executed safely, on time, and within budget. The candidate will be accountable for safety and environmental compliance during pilot plant test runs, ensuring that corporate plant designs and specifications are effectively implemented throughout all phases of process modification projects.

The successful applicant will be a key member of the engineering team, contributing to the development of new plant design concepts, conducting detailed engineering design reviews, selecting vendors, and managing projects, including global plant startup and commissioning, as well as modifications or upgrades at existing sites. International travel, including potential short-term assignments of 1-3 months, may be required.

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma with Mechanical/Electrical Journeyman qualification, coupled with 15+ years of industry experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably mechanical or chemical).
• 1-5 years of experience in chemical or mechanical process development, particularly in product quality improvement, chemical process optimization, and transitioning R&D processes into manufacturing; preference will be given to candidates with specific experience in solar module recycling process development.
• Proficiency in mechanical aptitude, statistical data analysis, and design of experiments.
• Experience working with chemical plant operators and maintenance technicians, including during off-shift hours, is preferred.
• Familiarity with material handling systems design, piping design, and process control design.
• Background in new process plant startup, troubleshooting, and hazardous material handling.
• Experience in project management focused on chemical processes and/or mechanical systems, overseeing scope, schedule, and costs.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to read and interpret Process & Instrumentation Drawings, detailed engineering design drawings, and bills of materials (including electrical, mechanical, civil, and process controls).
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and chemical process development.
• Proven capability to translate ideas into practical applications within a chemical process manufacturing environment across all stages of process development, including qualification.
• Project management abilities to oversee project schedules and financial budgets effectively.
• Competence in coordinating process engineering activities with night shift operations crew members and multiple vendors/contractors.
• Experience in industrial equipment erection, installation, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Strong mechanical and process control aptitude, fostering a hands-on approach to developing new engineering solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Maintain ultra-pure water, wastewater, and recycling systems in optimal condition through proactive planning, preventive maintenance, and daily process data analysis.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement innovative approaches for recycling wastewater and waste from solar panels (both First Solar and other crystalline silicon panels).
• Conduct material balance studies in chemical plant processes and devise techniques to enhance recovery rates of precious metals while reducing cadmium emissions in effluent streams.
• Collaborate with frontline operators and technicians to execute pilot plant test runs, generating data to inform new waste and wastewater treatment system development.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for chemical process issues and implement global corrective actions aimed at improving product quality and reducing plant operating costs.
• Assist in detailed engineering design reviews and project management for remote recycling and water treatment projects, potentially involving construction oversight.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to create engineering process design specification packages for vendor selection, construction project planning, and oversight of recycling and wastewater treatment projects.
• Document and implement detailed plant design modifications in alignment with the company’s change control process.
• Engage with vendors and contractors, soliciting proposals and reviewing submission packages to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Support Engineering Managers in developing capital budgets and coordinating project activities to meet deliverables on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with Corporate Engineering teams, EHS staff, manufacturing teams, and the development engineering team to establish effective methods for the treatment and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Lead the startup and debugging of processes in both new and existing plant sites undergoing modifications or upgrades.
• Work with purchasing to define acceptable contracts and terms for global recycling and water treatment equipment and projects.
• Foster effective communication to encourage team building.
• Adhere strictly to all safety procedures and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Perform other duties as assigned, with the understanding that this job description may evolve.

Reporting Relationships:
This position will report to the Manager or Engineer – Wastewater/Recycling III.

Travel:
Anticipated travel is between 10% and 20%.

Estimated Salary Range:
$61,000-$87,000 annually.

US Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Frequent climbing of stairs.
• Occasional lifting of up to 58 pounds, frequent lifting of up to 37 pounds, and occasional pushing/pulling of up to 27 pounds of force.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, lifting, and handling objects.
• 20/40 vision (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green.
• May involve reaching above shoulder heights, bending, stooping, or kneeling.
• Compliance with all safety standards and procedures is essential, as is the ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, and safety glasses.

Candidates must meet the outlined education and experience requirements and demonstrate proficiency in the responsibilities of this role. All candidates receiving an employment offer must successfully complete a background check and any applicable assessments.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and promotes diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Our recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion practices are applied without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize the vital role that diversity and inclusion play in the success of our organization.

Job Posting Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2025 02:40:49 GMT

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