Engineering Jobs in Decatur Morgan County, AL

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

Basic Job Functions:

Assist in the installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years' experience as First Solar Master Manufacturing Technician or
• 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or 6 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• Associate's degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety first mindset
• Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Good written and oral communications skills in English. Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Ability to perform administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Ability to read equipment schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.
• General working knowledge of facilities, mechanical components, and electrical/electronic systems. Prior maintenance experience is a plus.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems on equipment in the manufacturing line.
• Prior experience or demonstrated ability to assemble FS VTD distributor and related components. Prior FS strip builder or coater tech experience is a plus.
• Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, holidays as required to successfully complete projects and or resolve production equipment issues.
• Must be able to travel to First Solar or vendor locations globally on project assignments. Possible 10% annual travel / passport required.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Demonstrate good organizational and time-management skills. Assist in solving production equipment problems for critical downs and systemic issues.
• Reviews data relating to daily tool performance and attend/present in factory performance meetings as needed.
• Responsible to proactively schedule needed repairs/rebuilds based on tool performance trending data.
• Maintains effective communication with production associates, manufacturing engineers, development engineers, and vendors as required. Interface directly with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Develops a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• Develops proficiency in training of production associates, maintenance, technicians, and new engineers on operations, troubleshooting and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Develops work instructions from best known methods. Develop and update internal documentation including assembly drawings, standard operating procedures, and equipment specifications.
• Responsible for day-to-day construction and inventory of production and test distributors, spare parts supply, for production and test components.
• Maintains data collection relating to distributor inventory, performance and associated product performance.
• Communicates distributor allocation to production and engineering groups for each coater.
• Ensures distributor availability for all coaters.
• Works with Engineering to identify deviations and root causes of distributor malfunctions.
• Administrates responsibility for writing service report requests, warranty RMA requests. Will routinely submit CMS white papers for equipment projects and engineering changes.
• Coordinates downtime requests, work orders, warranty, and upgrade activities with facilities, operations, and vendors.
• Coordinates support of global deposition equipment and participates in standing meetings with associates globally.
• Troubleshoots intermittent, chronic, and long-term systemic issues on all deposition equipment to reduce & eliminate unplanned downtime.
• Will plan, oversee, and execute installations of approved engineering changes.
• Responsible for performing necessary maintenance as an individual contributor when necessary.
• Responsible for identifying and recommending opportunities for cost savings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• 0 - 5%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18.89-$26.44

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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 and 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.

***Exciting hands-on opportunity in a dynamic plant environment.***

The Director of Manufacturing Support Operations is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for the performance, strategy, and execution of all support manufacturing operations—including thermoforming, injection molding, copper tubing, fabrication, and related processes.

In this highly visible role, you will lead multi-shift operations, develop high-performing teams, and partner closely with Plant Leadership to ensure production goals are met safely, efficiently, and with world-class quality. This role blends operational excellence, people leadership, and continuous improvement to drive results across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and engagement.

Operational Management (35%)

• Lead and oversee multi-shift Support Operations through senior managers, with indirect responsibility for team leaders, process technicians, and hourly operators.
• Translate plant strategy into clear, measurable objectives for each functional area and leader.
• Establish and maintain rigorous daily production management, including hour-by-hour performance tracking, scrap reduction, and quality metrics.
• Partner with the Plant Manager and leadership staff to align operations with plant-level goals.
• Ensure appropriate salaried staffing levels and regularly review headcount and capability needs.
• Drive consistent communication across shifts, functional areas, and leadership teams.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge of operations and lead escalation, root cause analysis, and corrective action for operational abnormalities.
• Champion Lean manufacturing principles and ensure adherence to the Appliance Production System, standardized work, and escalation processes.
• Lead daily production and escalation meetings; communicate key issues, risks, and performance metrics.
• Ensure process stability through standardized work, 5S discipline, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Talent Development (35%)

• Build, lead, and develop an energized, accountable Support Operations leadership team.
• Set expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and drive performance management for salaried leaders.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain critical manufacturing talent.
• Support training, upskilling, cross-training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Champion mentoring and career development across manufacturing disciplines, including thermoforming, process improvement, and appliance manufacturing.

Safety & Compliance (20%)

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and environmental standards.
• Drive a strong safety culture through consistent adherence to LOTO, PPE, and safe work practices.
• Lead proactive safety initiatives and ensure accountability at all organizational levels.

Quality Excellence (10%)

• Develop and enforce quality standards to ensure all manufactured components meet specifications.
• Drive timely resolution of quality issues through corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner cross-functionally to continuously improve quality performance.

What you need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or technical related, or management.
• Minimum of 10 years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.
• Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding.
• Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain skilled teams.
• Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong communication skills – will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization (from the plant floor up to executive staff members).
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced thermoforming technologies, plastics manufacturing and extrusion systems.
• Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.
• Experience implementing and/or operating under Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system.

Working Conditions:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
• Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats.
• Work will require some weekend and/or evening work.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.