Engineer- Application III USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

The Applications Engineer provides technical sales and engineering in support of global module sales. This team is the key point of contact for all technical questions from customers. Application Engineers embrace the concept of customer intimacy and assist origination in a consultative sales process that facilitates solutions that meet customer needs and leverage First Solar's entire value chain.

The role will support the day-to-day application and use of First Solar's product offerings, specializing in the structural balance of system (trackers and fixed tilt mounting systems) optimization of solar power plants.

This role supports the engineering and technical aspects of sales transactions from early-stage origination through indicative and final bidding. The role will also be responsible for providing input to the module product roadmap. The role will participate in cross functional projects in support of new product launches and product changes and manage internal resources to test and develop new & modified mechanical mounting solutions.

Education/Experience:

• BS degree in an engineering discipline (BSME, BSCE preferred).
• Business minor preferred but not required.
• 4+ years professional experience in PV Module/Systems/Project Development.
• 4+ years professional experience in renewables, utility, or construction-related fields.
• 2+ years of customer-facing experience (PV Module/Systems experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge of module product design, energy prediction, PV systems, and project construction.
• Expertise in Solar module technology, and industry trends thereof.
• Expertise in building codes, risk mapping and governing requirements of solar products.
• Strong knowledge of design and activities for construction projects, EPC means and methods, and detailed understanding in Balance of System components (structures, wiring harnesses, and inverters).
• Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects in parallel.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Must possess technical knowledge of mechanical systems (static, dynamics, CAD/3D modeling capability)
• Aptitude for and/or knowledge of project engineering, procurement, and construction processes/procedures
• Strong customer relationship skills and ability to effectively communicate technical parameters of a power plant to customers.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and optimization process.
• Strong computing skills including MS Office Suite and engineering programs.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to simplify complex technical arguments for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in cost estimation for procurement and construction of PV power plants.
• Familiarity with industry practices in active markets.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, and PV energy simulation software.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide technical application support for module and balance of system design and support.
• Contribute insight to development and refinement of new market developments, technological advances and adjacent product roadmaps.
• Maintain and grow ecosystem relationships to support current and future products globally.
• Build strong relationships with leading solar EBOS, MBOS, and EPC firms to enable cost-effective installations and rapid adoption of First Solar products. Lead cost estimating and BOS activities.
• Develop technical solutions that mitigate risk, create value, and benefit First Solar and its partners in new and existing markets.
• Integrate regional customer feedback into product and system requirements, contributing to product advances and roadmaps. Provide technical trade show support and onsite customer/partner visit support.
• Engage with customer technical and commercial staff throughout the sales cycle and post-sales to facilitate product adoption and maximize value.
• Support the development of new ecosystem solutions to enhance the competitiveness of First Solar products.
• Develop and distribute technical collateral for internal and external training, supporting new product launches, market entries, and customer acquisition.
• Coordinate the testing and approval of mechanical mounting systems.
• Read technical portions of RFPs and coordinate with SMEs to develop First Solar technical responses.
• Be fluent and stay informed of the technical and competitive landscape in the industry.
• Be fluent and stay current on the offerings of key Ecosystem providers for structure and other balance-of-plant equipment.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with internal clients at both the senior management and staff level.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to Applications Engineering Manager

Travel:

• Up to 30% per year

Estimated Salary Range:

• $97,500-$139,000 Annually.

US Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order 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 band 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.